W.Bro. Chris Needham, Worshipful Master of The Lodge of Merit, has rounded off his year of fundraising to close his time in office by taking on a 116-mile tandem bike ride from Freemasons’ Hall in London back home to Stamford.
Chris, who had limited training for the ride but plenty of determination, was adding this final challenge to a year that had already raised around £8,000 through a Ladies Night, a Race Night and raffle ticket sales.
For Chris, who works on a firmly held “failure is not an option” approach, the lack of preparation was simply another obstacle to overcome in support of four much-loved causes.
Chris and Charlie Green, the Lodge’s newest initiate, and Chris’ tandem ride partner, were greeted by family, supporters, UGLE staff and representatives from Teddies for Loving Care at Freemasons Hall. They were also joined by a memorable third passenger, a giant teddy bear, safely strapped to the back of the tandem and ready for the journey north.
Navigating a two-man bicycle through London traffic proved a daunting start, made even tougher by rain. But once the riders reached the countryside, the weather improved, the roads opened, and spirits lifted.
The aim for day one was an ambitious 80 miles, but road closures and unexpected detours added extra miles and time. After 11 gruelling hours in the saddle, Chris and Charlie called it a day having completed 76 miles.
A solid night’s sleep set them up for the final stretch on Saturday morning, this time under glorious sunshine as they made their way towards Stamford.
On reaching the town, they received a regal escort from the Mayor and her Consort, who led the way aboard the Provincial Tuk-Tuk. Even with the final mile running entirely uphill, adrenaline and encouragement from supporters carried the riders through.
At precisely 4.30pm, Chris and Charlie turned the final corner to an emotional welcome from family, friends, members of the Lodge of Merit and the Provincial Grand Master.
Chris had organised a welcome party complete with a BBQ and four live bands, but he was still taken aback by the size of the crowd and the generosity shown throughout the evening.
Taking to the stage, Chris and Charlie announced that the ride itself had raised nearly £5,000. By the time the final band finished playing, the total had reached £7,400, before climbing to an astonishing £8,578.13 by Sunday morning.
Combined with the earlier fundraising events, Chris’s year in the chair raised a remarkable grand total of £16,279.13.
The money will be shared between four fantastic causes, each making a meaningful difference in the community and beyond:
- Teddies for Loving Care
- Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance
- South Lincs Dementia Support
- Sue Ryder Hospice
Chris and Charlie’s journey was a fitting finale to a year of generosity, teamwork and good humour, proof that determination, community spirit, and a giant teddy bear can go a very long way!