Fabulous Fundraisers – 1981 Reunion Call!

The story in more detail…

This week, we were contacted by Annalei the daughter of one of the founding organisers of the ride. She told us that The Hebburn and Jarrow Club started after Ray and Jane Greaves’ daughter Caroline was diagnosed with cancer. Annalei told us

“My dad and Ray had been best friends since they were children and along with George they were determined to do something. Unfortunately Caroline lost her battle but so many others needed help. We are incredibly proud of Ray, my dad and George.”

 

We also spoke to Gordon – now in his 80’s to dig a little deeper. He told us that during their first ride from the RVI to Leeds, that they’d met a man called Ian Campbell – a famous professional wrestler who was amazed at their efforts and gave their fundraising a boost with his support.

Gordon said that after their first ride, a cheque was handed over to Dr Alan Craft for £11.5k.

This was an astounding achievement 40 years ago, and helped to lay the initial foundations for the charity in those very early days. In fact, it went so well that they decided to keep on doing it and over the next 16 years, the Hebburn and Jarrow branch raised £1.7m and was named on one occasion by the Chronicle as the charity of the year – something that Gordon is still very proud of today. Dr Alan Craft – now Professor Sir Alan Craft – remains a trustee of the charity today.