PW_4_2020

Life in Lockdown

Cycling to say Thank You Ronnie Dukes , West Scotland Branch Many people turned to exercise in order to get themselves through lockdown. Former Section UK VP, Ronnie Dukes put his cycle training towards a very personal, good cause. D uring lockdown I was out on my cycle every other day , building up the strength and stamina to cycle from the west coast of Scotland to Edinburgh in the east, a journey of over 60 miles. I wanted to use

Along with many other NHS staff, they are dedicated to the health and welfare of their patients. In these extraordinary times their lives revolve around their working hours, with very little time for relaxation or recreation. I decided to raise some funds to allow Carol-Anne’s team, when it’s safe to do so, to enjoy a night out. They are not allowed to receive cash as gifts, but it will be possible to present them with a gift voucher for the team to enjoy a meal at a local restaurant. Any extra funds raised will go to their Department’s Endowment Fund, to purchase additional equipment for patient and staff comfort. When I began to plan my cycling route, the lockdown rules did not permit such a long journey. But undeterred, I plotted my route from Bowling in the west, along the Forth & Clyde Canal, to the Falkirk Wheel and then continuing along the Union Canal to Edinburgh; a total distance of over 100 kilometres. So, within the rules of exercising locally, I began to build up my cycling stamina. By Sunday 12th July, the rules had relaxed sufficiently for me to take on my challenge. This was by far the longest cycle ride I had attempted, and it was with some trepidation that I rode away from Scotland’s west coast. I arrived in Edinburgh seven and a half hours later, with a feeling of immense pride at completing my personal challenge. I did take the luxury of a train ride home. The pride in completing my cycle ride was nothing at my pride in the donors, who helped me raise £537 to thank the team of hard working medics.

my challenge towards a good cause and, like many people, I was touched by the efforts our NHS workers put in during the height of the pandemic. My niece Carol-Anne Keenan provided the inspiration for my fundraising. She is one of the 20 strong team at Inverclyde Royal Hospital’s Endoscopy Department. Like so many other NHS staff, they were all redeployed to assist

their colleagues in other areas of the hospital, only returning to their

normal field of work to carry out emergency procedures.

The Endoscopy Department (Photo taken pre-lockdown restrictions, during happier times prior to social distancing)

The Falkirk Wheel (junction of both canals)

Only one thing remains to be done; when they can find an appropriate time to do so, is for the staff of Inverclyde Royal Hospital’s Endoscopy Department to enjoy a well deserved night out.

The recorded mileage

The start at Bowling

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POLICE WORLD Vol 65 No.4, 2020