Pedalling for a Cause: The Lord Mayor’s Ride for Parkinson’s UK
Civic tradition, community spirit and a deeply personal cause will come together on 1 May, as former Lord Mayor of Bristol and current Deputy Lord Mayor of Bristol, Cllr Andrew Varney, joins the Green Intercity Postal Service for its annual charity ride between Bristol and London.
During his year in office, Andrew had the pleasure of meeting Ian Styles, founder of the much-loved Green Intercity Postal Service — a remarkable initiative that has, for the past decade, seen letters ceremonially carried by bicycle between the Lord Mayors of Bristol and London.
Each year, the journey celebrates the historic friendship between our two great cities while raising thousands of pounds for worthy causes. This year, when Ian invited Andrew to join the ride, the answer was immediate.
He jumped at the chance.
Setting off from Bristol with an official letter from the current Lord Mayor, the journey promises to be more than a symbolic civic tradition. For Andrew, it is also a profoundly personal mission.
He has chosen to use the ride to raise money for Parkinson’s UK, a charity close to his heart. His mother has been living with Parkinson’s for many years, giving him first-hand insight into the daily realities of this debilitating condition and the vital importance of research, support and hope for families affected by it.
“Seeing the impact Parkinson’s has had on my mother and our family has made this cause incredibly important to me,” Andrew says. “Any support people can give, no matter how small, will be hugely appreciated.”
Support the Ride
Please consider supporting Andrew’s fundraiser for Parkinson’s UK here:
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