Cornish woman overcomes covid to cycle in London to Paris fundraiser

A woman in Cornwall who thought she would never leave the house again after contracting coronavirus is taking part in fundraising cycle to Paris thanks to her colleague.

Lynne Lee, who is the Charity Community Fundraiser for RCHT, had planned to chaperone cycle around 40 fundraisers from London to Paris is September 2021.

However, in April, Lynne contracted coronavirus which has left her with long term medical issues:

“I ran 7 miles on the Sunday and on the Monday, I had chest pains and a felt very unwell. I went to the Emergency Department and I quickly became very ill with covid symptoms. I had a lot of chest pain. I was immobile for four to five weeks I really couldn't get out of bed or do anything. I was in a lot of pain.

“I really didn't think I would possibly ever leave the house again so to even contemplate a bike ride was really beyond my comprehension.”

Lynne Lee, Charity Community Fundraise for RCHT and Covid-19 survivor

While she's now rehabilitating well, Lynne said she was not convinced that she be able to cycle solo 237 miles in three days.

However, thanks her colleague, Chris Harvey who’s the Senior Project Manager, she’s now able to take part after he agreed to ride in tandem.

Chris said "I must be mad".

He had already signed up for the cycle as part of a team raising funds for the RCHT paediatric wards CITS Cycle for Children.

Lynne said she is so grateful to Chris for giving up his dream to solo cycle just so she can take part.

“He is enabling me to take part in this long planned challenge, to join all of our incredible fundraisers, and my gratitude really cannot be expressed.”

Lynne Lee

RCHT and walking and cycling charity, Sustrans, are old friends and when Lynne approached Nick Ratcliffe from the UK charity for advice on sourcing a tandem their support was immediate as they decided to build Chris and Lynne a bespoke bike to borrow to train and ride to Paris on.

“We're overwhelmed by this amazing gesture and cannot thank them enough. Sustrans, who have a long-standing relationship with RCHT, are making our ride possible; assisting my post covid rehab and helping CITS cycle for Children to fundraise even further for our paediatric wards”

Lynne Lee

The London to Paris cycle is open to everyone, for all levels of cyclist and fitness. Email rcht.charity@nhs.net if you’d like to join them.

For more information the the London to Paris bike ride, visit the website here.

Alternatively, you can make a donation on their fundraising page here.