Six members of staff at Lancaster & Morecambe College are taking part in an 80-mile charity cycle ride in memory of their colleague Richard Paillou who sadly passed away in November 2022.

Richard was a long-standing member of the Engineering Department and made a positive impact on hundreds of lives during his career at LMC. His colleagues describe him as a kind soul who would go out of his way to help anyone and always put others first before himself.

Dave Garnett, Paul Carroll, Mathew Dawson and partner, Liam Taylor and Terry Palmer, are honouring his memory by taking part in the fundraiser to raise money for CancerCare, a charity very close to Dave’s heart.

Dave received counselling at CancerCare early last year after losing his mother and cousin in the same week. He was referred for sessions with counsellor Shelley Price and her support had a hugely positive impact on his mental well-being.

“Shelley helped me with things I didn't know were connected to grief, the triggers that set the emotions off and how to deal with them in a sympathetic way. She was always really understanding and showed me compassion beyond what I expected. The lessons learned have stayed with me and will continue help me in the future,” said Dave.

The ride will start and finish at Lancaster & Morecambe College on their Community Open Day on 1st July. The route goes through Cockerham, Great Plumpton, Wrea Green, Lytham St Annes, Blackpool, along the Fylde Coast, Cleveleys, Fleetwood, Thornton, Hambleton, Pilling and then back to the College, covering a huge 80 miles!

We want to wish the team a huge, good luck from everyone at CancerCare and would like to thank them for their support!

So far they have raised over £550 which is incredible. If you would like to donate, then click the button below!