Cycle challenge to raise awareness and funds for mental health
Three keen cyclists from Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (NSFT) will take on a 195 mile challenge this month to raise awareness of mental health and boost charitable funds for the Trust.
Chief Nurse Anthony Deery will be joined by Lewis Burton, Senior Leadership, Learning and Organisational Development Manager, and staff nurse Williams Babalola, as they cycle between several of NSFT’s main sites over three days.
The Chief Nurse Cycle Challenge will take place from 18-20 September, starting and finishing at Hellesdon Hospital in Norwich.
Anthony said the challenge aims to raise money for NSFT Charitable Funds, helping to support ward and team activities, while also highlighting the importance of the Trust’s charity.
“The three of us are all keen cyclists, Lewis and Williams contacted me after I asked colleagues if anyone fancied joining the challenge,” said Anthony. “Lewis has excellent local knowledge and was really enthusiastic about the idea. Following a further conversation at the Transformational Reciprocal Mentoring event, Williams also said he would love to take part”.
“It would be fantastic if we could raise £1,000. The funds will provide a welcome boost to resources that support patient and carer activities across the Trust.”
The trio will set off from Hellesdon Hospital at 8am on Friday, 18 September, travelling first to Northgate Hospital in Great Yarmouth before continuing to Woodlands in Ipswich, where they expect to arrive at around 6pm and stay overnight. On Saturday, they will leave Woodlands at 8am, cycle to Wedgwood House in Bury St Edmunds and then on to Chatterton House in King’s Lynn, arriving at around 5pm. The final day will begin at Chatterton House at 9am, with the team due to return to Hellesdon Hospital at around 4pm. All timings are approximate. The Trio would be delighted to meet staff, service users and carers at each of the main sites and have “never knowingly refused a drink and piece of cake”.
“We are all used to cycling long-distance routes,” said Anthony. “However, I’m not sure we all cycle at the same speed. What matters most to us is raising awareness of mental health and wellbeing, including the importance of physical activity and the benefits of spending time outdoors.”
Lewis added: “I’m part of the Aylsham Road Club and one of our sponsors is the 12th Man Campaign, which focuses on improving the mental health and wellbeing of men. The opportunity to raise money for the Trust’s charity by doing something I love, and something that has been a large part of my routine to support my own mental health, is fantastic.”
Anthony hopes that other members of staff, friends and family will support the team with donations and by welcoming them at NSFT sites. “It will be great to see people when we start off and when we arrive,” he said. “Any encouragement is welcome and, of course, we’d be delighted with any donations.”
This is not the first time Anthony has taken on a cycling challenge for a good cause, having previously cycled coast to coast, from Whitehaven to Sunderland, to raise funds for his local junior football club.
You can support the team and find out more via www.justgiving.com/page/nsft-cycle2026