Dougie's Tour De Force

Monday, 19 July 2021 10:00

By Laura Mitchell

During June 10-year-old Dougie Wren cycled from Horsham to Shoreham and back again to raise over £1,300 for St Catherine’s Hospice in memory of his Nanny Chris, writes Laura Mitchell

Most ten-year olds might spend time at the weekend kicking a ball about while waiting for Euro 2020 to start, playing on their devices, or just chilling out watching TV. Not so for Dougie Wren from Horsham, who has just completed a bike ride of 40 miles, fundraising for St. Catherine’s Hospice in Crawley, where his Nanny spent her final days.

Dougie recalled, “Last year, my sister and I sadly lost our lovely Nanny. She was a wonderful Nanny who always looked after us while Mummy and Daddy worked. She took us for wonderful days out too. Nanny did lots for charity and would always put others before herself. In honour of her, I was inspired and wanted to raise as much money as I could for St Catherine’s.”

Dougie pounded the pedals alongside his Dad, James, to raise over £1,300 for the Crawley based hospice. The two rouleurs pedalled south, taking in a great chunk of the Downs Link as they sped past Christ’s Hospital, then through Southwater, West Grinstead, Partridge Green, Henfield, Steyning and Botolphs on the way to the dip their toes in the English Channel at Shoreham-by-Sea.

Having arrived at the coast, there was only one thing left to do… make the return journey. Undeterred the peloton of two, clad in the orange jerseys of St. Catherine’s Hospice completed the task before the day was out. After 40 miles in the saddle, family and friends were there to welcome them across the finish line and to help them celebrate – All that was missing was a yellow jersey for Dougie!

Tracey Wren, Dougie’s Mum, said, “I’m so proud of Dougie, and I know his Nanny would be very proud too. He’s worked really hard training, and cycled in the heat of a hot day, only stopping for photographs. We’re very grateful to everyone who has supported Dougie and James and helped them raise such a brilliant amount of money. It’s lovely to know this will help St Catherine’s support other families like ours in the future.”

Felicity Parsons, Fundraiser at St Catherine’s said, “We’re so grateful to Dougie and his Dad for taking on this incredible challenge in memory of his Nanny. Their support, and the support of our wider community has never been more vital. As a result of the pandemic, we’ve had a drop of around £1.5 million in income. We’re reliant on the support and fundraising efforts of people in our local community to make sure we can be here for years to come. Every challenge taken on and every penny raised makes a difference. On behalf of everyone at St Catherine’s, I’d like to say a big thank you to Dougie and his family. It’s a wonderful tribute to Dougie’s wonderful Nanny.”

To support Dougie please visit: www.justgiving. com/fundraising/tracey-wren3

If Dougie has inspired you to take on your own challenge, discover different ways to support St Catherine’s at: www.stch.org.uk/diy

To make a donation to help your local hospice please visit: www.stch.org.uk/donate or call 01293 447361

More from People

Homes for Ukraine: Opening Your Home and Your Heart

As the conflict in the Ukraine continues, Homes for Ukraine scheme is still keen to hear from people that are interested in hosting a Ukrainian guest, as Paul Crompton from East Sussex County Council explains
Hip Hip Hooray

Reduced mobility as life evolves is something many people have to come to terms with, and sometimes the issue requires surgery, so we sent Robert Veitch to learn more about hip replacements from the top orthopaedic surgeon, Hugh Apthorp
The Joy of the Repair Café

Volunteers are central to the success of Repair Cafés across Sussex, so we sent Nicola Coughlin along to Lindfield Repair Cafe to talk to volunteers about their valuable contribution
An Unlikely Retirement

Hove resident Sylvia Holder tells Sara Whatley the inspiring story of how she set up her charity, The Venkat Trust, when she should have been kicking back in her retirement
Matters of the Heart

Jason Palmer, Volunteer Trustee and Director of The Sussex Heart Charity explains what this award winning charity do to save lives in Sussex
Rushfields: Celebrating 40 Years

As Rushfields Plant Centre in Poynings gears up to celebrate its 40th anniversary this year, James Forryan talked to founders Colin and Kathryn Langridge about the keys to their longevity and what they’ve learned over their 40 years in business
Interview: Comedian Connor Burns brings his Vertigo tour to Sussex

With his new touring show Vertigo about to arrive in Sussex, we talk to Scottish comedian Connor Burns
A Double Dose: Interview with Michael Mosley and Clare Bailey

Husband and wife health gurus Dr Michael Mosley and Dr Clare Bailey are on a mission to bring healthy eating and living to the masses. They talk to Sara Whatley about their upcoming tour and the health benefits of eating a Mediterranean diet...
You've Got a Friend

Mid Sussex charity Befriended has grown so much since it’s beginnings in 2017. Gail Miller tells Sara Whatley what they have been up to
Charity: Community Transport Sussex

Community Transport Sussex is an unlikely hero, but one that plays a crucial role in connecting local communities, Marie Claire Macintosh explains more about this valuable service
Mat Osman: A Record of Creativity

Local boy, founding member of the band Suede and now author, Mat Osman speaks to Sara Whatley about creativity, his brother Richard Osman and making people cry
Six Facts You Might Not Know About Robert Smith

Whether they’re born or bred, or put down roots in our beloved county, Sussex is full of famous celebrities who’ve either made their start or got involved in our community - each week we take a look at one of these fascinating figures…
Six Facts You Might Not Know About Dame Julie Walters

Whether they’re born or bred, or put down roots in our beloved county, Sussex is full of famous celebrities who’ve either made their start or got involved in our community - each week we take a look at one of these fascinating figures…
Six Facts You Might Not Know About Piers Morgan

Whether they’re born or bred, or put down roots in our beloved county, Sussex is full of famous celebrities who’ve either made their start or got involved in our community - each week we take a look at one of these fascinating figures…
In conversation with the team at Peper Harow Socks, Sussex.

Founded in 2013, Peper Harow is a brand of men’s and women’s luxury cotton socks that are ethically and sustainably made in the UK in Burgess Hill, West Sussex.
We speak to an expert about special needs in children

The number of school pupils in the UK with special educational needs increased to 1.49 million in 2022. Between 2% and 5% of school-aged children have ADHD and nearly 2% are on the autistic spectrum. But there’s still a remarkable lack of awareness about how children with neurodiverse conditions such as ADHD, autism and dyslexia can be supported in mainstream schools.
By women, for women - The Wayfinder Trust

The WayfinderWoman Trust is an Eastbourne based charity to help guide and support women. This might be with a clear-cut goal or simply to help pinpoint their next move. It could be to help build confidence, to stand up on their own and give them the strength to take that next step. Whatever the need, WayfinderWoman are on hand.
International Women's Day 2023: in conversation with Iris De Kan, Easyjet Pilot

Who do you picture when you think of an airline captain? Something along the lines of Captain Sully I would imagine – male, middle aged and greying. Today I’m speaking to one of only 6% of female pilots in the world, Captain Iris de Kan, who is female, 35 and blond – the antithesis of old Sully over there.
Putting women back on the map - Kate Mosse

It is always the right moment to bring women’s stories to the forefront, suggested award-winning novelist Kate Mosse as she told me about her new non-fiction work, Warrior Queens & Quiet Revolutionaries, How Women (Also) Built The World.
Interview with Jake Messham, Wall Of Death Rider

Video

If you're lucky enough to witness a Wall of Death show you'll know the intoxicating mixture of wonder and terror as heart-stopping stunts are performed under your nose. Sara Whatley met with Jake Messham, a star rider and motorcycle trickster.

Dougie's Tour De Force

Share

More from People