Bury Fishpool Sponsored Bike Ride and Walk for Haiti

Jeff Couzins

19 people cycled the 33 mile route from Halifax to Bury on Sunday 2nd May, to raise funds for ADRA UK. The riders, aged between 16 and 62, set off from Salterhebble Hill, in Halifax, following the path along the side of Rochdale Canal. Each of the riders wore yellow vests bearing the Adventist Church and ADRA logos on the front, and ‘Haiti Sponsored Canal Bike Ride - Halifax to Bury’ on the back. Although 6 people cycled back by the canal route, 13 cyclists ended their journey at Bury Fishpool Adventist Community Church on Parkhills Road in Bury.

The event was organised by Adventist Church member, Rio Agnello, to raise funds for the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) in Haiti. Rio stated that cycling to raise money for Haiti “was a wonderful experience and it is a small price to pay. When I seemed to be struggling uphill or over rough terrain I endured as the Haitian people came into my mind and what they went through”.

Most of the cyclists were not members of the Adventist Church, but they wanted to do their bit to help the displaced and suffering people of the Carrefour region of Haiti following the catastrophic magnitude 7.0 earthquake and aftershocks that hit the region on January 12. Tracey, who is not a member of the church, said of the event, “Initially I thought cycling along the canal was going to be easy - flat, straight paths, how hard could it be? In reality it was quite a testing but enjoyable bike ride.” By the end of the trip the participants all looked like seasoned cyclists, head to toe in muck. The event was well organised with pit stops along the way and the completion created a real sense of achievement for all who participated in the very worthy cause.

It was touch and go, whether the oldest cyclist, Arlette, would be fit enough for the occasion. A few days earlier she had damaged her knees and had been limping badly. But a homeopathic remedy of nutrients and vitamins healed her swollen knees and gave her the energy she needed for the gruelling journey. When asked of her experience, Arlette said, “My discomfort is little compared to what the people of Haiti had to endure. I thank God I had the strength to complete the bike ride”.

While the intrepid cyclists were getting spattered by mud at the side of Rochdale canal, 10 people who were not able to take part in the bike ride were taking part in a sponsored walk around a park in Bury (at least one person ran the course having arrived late) to swell the funds raised on the day.

When the cyclists reached the church, well wishers were on hand to welcome them with enthusiastic flag waving and hot drinks. When everyone - cyclists and walkers had gathered at the church, a short service of appreciation was held for all the participants. Bolton Adventist Church Choir (Bolton Melodies) prayed and sang two songs following a warm welcome by the local Pastor, Jeff Couzins. The audience, around 70 in all, then watched a video showing the work of ADRA. It was a deeply moving experience for all to see the pain and devastation recorded on film, and what ADRA was doing to help relieve their needs. The service was followed by lunch for all. At the time of writing the funds raised through sponsorship to help the work of ADRA  in Haiti stands at over £1,200 with some money still to come in.