Susan Hausberger, a grandmother of four, is currently cycling from John O’ Groats to Lands’ End to raise money for Macmillan Caring Locally in memory of her father
An intrepid grandmother of four, Susan Hausberger, is undertaking a real challenge: she is cycling from John O’Groats to Lands’ End to raise funds for Macmillan Caring Locally. The charity provided vital support to Susan’s parents, local Christchurch residents, during her father’s fight with cancer. Macmillan Caring Locally enabled Susan’s mother, at the age of 79, to care for her father at home throughout most of his terminal illness. Susan’s father then spent his final few days in the charity’s Macmillan Unit which provides specialist palliative care for patients in Dorset and West Hampshire.
Susan is fundraising in memory of her father as, in the next few years, Macmillan Caring Locally intends to rebuild the Macmillan Unit at Christchurch Hospital. Having already committed £5million from its reserves and a Capital Appeal Director to lead an appeal for funds, an estimated £4million is still needed to see the project through to completion. Fundraising efforts like Sue’s are vital in achieving this.
Sue set off on the 900-plus mile journey on 1st April and aims to arrive in Land’s End by the 20th April. During her journey, she has had to contend with the steep inclines of the mountainous landscape; very strong head & side-winds; a faulty saddle; and a sat nav that one day took her around in circles meaning she cycled 92 kilometres instead of the expected 80!
However,
Sue remains undaunted. She said:
‘These sorts of difficulties are part and parcel of a trip like this. The stunning scenery, the warmth and welcome from the people I am meeting en route, and the thought that I am raising money for the organisation that cared for my parents so wonderfully, more than makes up for it.’
Sue is no stranger to long-distance cycling. In 2010, she cycled from the Austrian Tyrol to Christchurch, raising £3000 for Macmillan Caring Locally. She followed that up with a book ‘Daily Pushed to My Limits’ about her adventures on the road.
Writing is part of Sue’s fund-raising journey this time too. She is keeping a daily blog which makes fascinating and entertaining reading and is a great way for family, friends and other supporters to follow her progress.
Neal Williams, Trust Secretary of Macmillan Caring Locally, said:
‘We are in awe of Sue’s energy and determination and extremely appreciative of all she has done and continues to do to support our organisation. It is thanks to people like Sue that we are able to provide such specialist care for patients and their loved ones when they need it most.’’
If you would like to follow and donate to Sue’s cycling exploits, go to www.Sue4Don.com. You can read her daily blog and find a link to her JustGiving page.
For more information about Macmillan Caring Locally visit: www.macmillanlocal.org.
