Two local children have completed a 100k bike ride to help raise funds for their mum and other NHS heroes who work at Northwick Park Hospital.
Shiv and Siya Dawda have raised nearly £5000 to help the NHS since they started their bike ride back in April. The children have also received donations from Watford F.C who have given a signed football shirt to auction.
“My sister, Siya (14) and I (16) each challenged ourselves to a 100k bike ride to raise money for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for the NHS. We completed the bike ride in just over 6 and a half hours on 25th April in the empty grounds of Merchant Taylors’ School, Northwood (adjudicated by the bursar).
“Our fundraising was inspired by our mum who is a frontline worker for the NHS at Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust (based at Northwick Park Hospital). Our determination grew when our grandfather became unwell with suspected covid to a point when we were told it was ‘not looking good’.
“It was extremely difficult as we were unable to hold his hand or be by his side but we tried to cheer him up by waving at him outside the window of his care home. Thankfully, this worked and he is recovering well now.
“Since launching our JustGiving page, we have raised over £4,700. With these funds, we have bought and already delivered PPE, including gowns, visors, masks, gloves and wipes to Northwick Park Hospital, Watford General, Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust and The Nightingale (when it was still open) and would like to continue supplying more.
“At this challenging time, we have been overwhelmed by the support of local businesses who have kindly donated vouchers and Watford Football Club who have donated signed memorabilia which we plan to auction online to continue raising funds.”