The Goodbye Legs Ride and Exeter UNESCO City of Literature
As a charity, we are always seeking additional financial support to fund our burgeoning events programme and advocacy efforts. We are delighted that one of our Trustees, Tom Staniford, is leading one such exciting fundraising effort – a charity cycle ride to benefit us and 3 other charities. But there’s a twist – we’ll let him explain in his own words!
Hello Tom. Thank you for choosing to support Exeter City of Literature with your planned charity cycle ride. Can you tell us a little more about it?
Please forgive the medical introduction, but some context is necessary, I promise! I have a very rare condition called MDP syndrome – which is shared by just 20 other people worldwide. It’s a complex multi-systems genetic mutation that basically means my body doesn’t metabolise lipids in the usual way, and this causes lots of issues – with a lack of fat under the skin, connective tissue tightening, low testosterone, hearing loss and a few other things. My biggest issue is that because of the connective tissue tightening and subsequent lack of mobility the bones in my feet are crumbling and at great risk of life-threatening infection. So as a pre-emptive infection avoidance strategy, and in the hopes of giving me back some mobility with prosthetic limbs, we are going to amputate both my lower legs!
Voluntary double amputations are not a common choice, and I obviously won’t get the chance to ever do it again, so I wanted to do something to mark this event and try and raise some money for charity. In the past I was an elite para-cyclist, winning a national championship and riding for GB, so I have always appreciated and used my legs. A charity cycle ride seemed the perfect ‘send-off’ and fundraising activity,
So, ‘one last ride with my own legs’ is taking place on Sunday 27th April. We are meeting on Exeter quayside at 10am and having a very short and very easy pootle to the Double Locks and back- and then enjoying coffee and cake! I have chosen this route, on the bike path away from traffic, so people of all ages and abilities can come and enjoy this celebration of living. Everyone is welcome, and donations are entirely voluntary and much appreciated. Full details of the ride, and online donations are at: http://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/goodbye-legs
“I would not be the person I am today without stories and storytelling, and the effect of books on my wellbeing - and I want everybody to benefit from better access to that.”
What a unique and interesting idea for an event! What made you think of us?
We’re calling it the ‘Goodbye Legs Ride’ as it’s a thank you and a celebration of the experiences I’ve had over the years with my legs – and an encouragement for others to appreciate their own opportunities. When I was thinking of which charities I would like to support with this ride, I immediately thought of ExCoL – and not just because I am a Trustee. Just as the bicycle has been my vehicle for physical development, books have been the vehicle for mental development.
I was incredibly fortunate to ride/race my bike in many countries across Europe, and have been exposed to so many different cultures and communities. Similarly, books have massively expanded my universe and introduced me to other cultures and worlds (imagined and real). I would not be the person I am today without stories and storytelling, and the effect of books on my wellbeing- and I want everybody to benefit from better access to that. Books help us (re)shape the world we live in but also glimpse others.
We’re grateful for your support – but why now?
The charity ride is happening now, very simply, because the surgery date is soon! Ha ha. But, on a wider basis, the Arts and Heritage sectors have seen crippling cuts in recent years. Additionally Austerity, Brexit, Cost of Living, have all combined to make access to literature and support of literature even harder. ExCoL work hard to provide a tremendously varied range of activities promoting and championing and developing Devon works and Devon writers and those events cost money. As a non-profit, the more money they have, the more great work they can do, and in these ‘trying economic times’ the benefit of their work is never more keenly felt.
We note you are supporting a number of other important charities. Who are they, and why?
The Devon Air Ambulance – they saved my life 20 years ago when they airlifted me to hospital following (you guessed it!) a bike crash. Without them, I wouldn’t be here or have any legs to give up! Despite being a critical part of the region’s Accident & Emergency response, they receive no Government funding.
The Devon and Exeter Institution have a similar mission to ExCoL in that they are devoted to a programme of events sharing a love of literature and lifelong learning among people of all ages. They’re a historic library and cultural event space right on Exeter’s Cathedral green and strive to preserve the literary heritage of Exeter and the region. (I confess I am also a trustee of this charity. There’s a theme emerging here…)
And finally, Wheels for Wellbeing- who have a wide fleet of non-standard cycles and run sessions so everybody, regardless of physical or mental situation, can experience the joys of cycling in a safe and supportive environment. They’re not a local charity, as they’re based in London but, in addition to their sessions, their campaigning and consultancy work influences much #ActiveTravel and #Accessibility policy nationally. (I’m very happily MarComms Manager for this charity!)
How can people support the Goodbye Legs Ride, and Exeter City of Literature?
I’m glad you asked! Come on down to the ride on Sunday 27th April. Even just to say hello and support the event.
Fundraising is our main focus, of course. So if this story has inspired you to want to help out, donations are gratefully received at http://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/Goodbye-Legs
We have a big fundraising target, but people of Devon have big hearts.
Alternatively, you can donate directly to ExCoL on their Donate page. This is a really useful option as it gives you the opportunity to donate a single sum or sign up to a regular monthly donation to support ExCoL’s vital work.
Thank you in advance for your donations and for sharing this event. It really does help hugely.
Thanks Tom. We wish you all the very best for the day, and for your upcoming operations and recovery!
