GUEST BLOG POST BY FUNDRAISER & SUPPORTER: Aaron Hayden

“This was the 4th memorial ride in Memory of Ron Hayden. Sadly Ron Hayden lost his battle to Lymphona in 2015. Each year brothers Jason and Aaron Hayden cycle Ron’s age in years to remember his life. This year 76 miles.

Each year we do this for charity, and this year it was decided that we would choose a new charity, having supported Lymphoma for the last three years.

Ron had lived with troubled mental health from the age of 16 when his own father past away. Back then no help was offered and little known about mental health.

My own family has been affected by mental health issues, yet has been fortunate to receive support from Kids Inspire. This encouraged me to want to give something back.

Jason and I were joined by Paul Hayden, Simon Carter, Andy Ledgerton and Mark Bracey for the full 76-mile challenge. Which in fact ended up being 80 miles due to road works. With cousin Ray Hayden joining us en-route for 40 miles.

Additionally, Christine Vincent and Garry Hunter joined for the last 50-miles with Paula Hayden, Mandy Murphy, Lee Murphy and 13-year-old Matthew Murphy joining the team for the final 25-miles.

We set off from Hatfield Peverel football club at 9am. Heading out to, Danbury, Hanningfield and onto the first food stop in Billericay 25 miles in, at our uncles’ (Ron’s brother) Albert and Glennis Hayden. The route is significant to the family as we pass through places we either lived, worked or went to school.

We then headed off via Ingatestone, Brentwood and then Kelvedon and onto Stanford Rivers – Ron’s resting place – stopping off at our Mum’s house in Stanford Rivers for our much needed 2nd food stop 50-miles in.

We then headed off through Fyfield and Roxwell back into Chelmsford then onto Great Leighs before heading back home to Hatfield Peverel football club.

80 miles covered in 4 hours 35 minutes at an average speed of 17.5mph. Burning 6500 calories in the process.

The family would like to thank everyone who took part to make the day special but most of all to all of those who have donated to raise £2,000! The whole event has been something special and we all feel so proud that we can support Kids Inspire and all their great work.

“This will be the first of a happy partnership supporting Kids Inspire.”