Man’s charity cycle in memory of his wife hits £10,000
Ian Eaton with his daughter Jess and son Josh before setting off on his cycle challenge. - Credit: Archant
He may only have just started his 1,223 mile cycling and climbing challenge in memory of his wife, but Ian Eaton has already raised £10,000 for charity.
Joe Bussey-Eaton - Credit: Nick Butcher
Mr Eaton decided to take on the challenge of biking to and climbing Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon, as a way of raising money for the Sandra Chapman Centre at the James Paget Hospital in Gorleston which helped his wife Joe through her 12 year cancer battle before she died in November aged just 42.
The father-of-two had hoped to raise £2,000 for the centre which he said was “amazing” during his wife’s battle with cancer.
“I’m currently up to £10,000 and it’s incredible. I’ve had people sponsor me from all over the world who don’t even know me. I come back to my hotel room at night and keep getting notifications from Just Giving.
“I’m raising money for the centre to say thank you for looking after Joe and all of us.”
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Cheered on by a large crowd, Mr Eaton and his 15-year-old son Josh set off from Beccles on Saturday along with more than 60 cyclists through the town centre with 12 making the journey with the pair to the first break point at Downham Market.
Making it to Fort William on Tuesday, the 37-year-old climbed the first and highest mountain and said the experience has so far been great.
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“It has been tough and cycling through mountain ranges is very tough,” said the Clays book printing worker. “But the scenery is just fantastic. I’m lucky to be alive and kicking to appreciate this.”
And Mr Eaton has made it a family affair, with his son and parents following his route in a support car.
He said: “I’m absolutely loving it. It’s been like a road trip with my parents and son and has been great to spend time with them.
“Josh has been biking some of the miles with me and he’s doing so well. It’s nice and it gives me company.
“I’m looking forward to what is ahead. This has been seven months of planning and it’s going really well.”
To sponsor Ian, visit www.justgiving.com/Ian-Eaton
