Chiswick Dad's 100 Mile Charity Cycle For Son
At the PrudentialRide London in memory of baby Archie
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A Chiswick dad will take part in the Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 100 race this summer to raise money for Bliss, the special-care baby charity. The event has a special significance for Garry Colligan as he and his wife lost a baby son who was born prematurely.
In October 2011, Garry Colligan’s wife, Annabelle gave birth to twins Constance and Archie at 27 weeks gestation. Sadly, at just three weeks old Archie lost his fight for life.
Garry with daughter Constance
Garry says that for the first three weeks everything went well and Constance and Archie were transferred from intensive care to the special care ward after two weeks. However, one morning he and Annabelle awoke to a phone call from the hospital to say that Archie had developed NEC, (Necrotizing Enterocolitis), an infection of the bowel. Archie sadly died less than two hours later.
Garry says: “I would like to do the ride in Archie’s memory. Last year I started cycling again and it has helped me through the darkness, so it seems appropriate to turn it to such a good cause. Another light in the darkness has been my daughter Constance. Despite her difficult start in life she has thrived and is now a happy, fun, loving, sometimes cheeky, completely normal two year old.
“It’s a particular honour to ride for Bliss following its selection as Prudential RideLondon Charity of the Year, and to contribute to the Bliss Nurses programme. I'll never forget the help and support we were given by the nurses at Queen Charlotte's Hospital.”
For the chance to win the ultimate VIP cycling experience, register to cycle the 2014 Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 100 with Bliss and you could win a prize including the opportunity to take part in a spinning class with double Olympic Gold medal winning cyclist Laura Trott, two grandstand passes for friends or family to watch you cross the finishing line, and access to the VIP start area with the celebrities taking part.
May 2, 2014
