The next generation of cycling pros are racing ahead in their careers with help from HMT St Hugh’s Hospital in Grimsby.

Keiran Hotson (18) and Joe Laverick (16) are among the latest graduates of the NE Lindsey Go-Ride Club heading for the next level in their cycling careers.

Since 2014 the hospital has invested more than £10,000 in the club, which was established in 2014 to provide support to budding cyclists aged six to 16. It now welcomes 60 regular members and meets twice a month at Oasis Academy Wintringham in Grimsby.

Dave Evans, Chair and Treasurer of NEL Go-Ride, said: “HMT St Hugh’s has been involved in NEL Go-Ride since the early days.

“The money St Hugh’s has generously donated has gone towards British Cycling training our coaches, funding places at racing events, training sessions, buying bikes, jerseys and equipment.

“We’re run by a dedicated team of volunteers, but without the investment from HMT St Hugh’s we wouldn’t be able to deliver the best quality training for our young cycling stars.”

Keiran attended a couple of Lindsey Roads Cycling Club’s social rides in 2013 before joining the NEL Go-Ride Club once it was set up. The 14-year-old made quite an impression, arriving for his first ride on his uncle’s 1980s bike which had been spray-painted yellow and named ‘Wiggo’ after his hero.

Meanwhile, Joe joined 19 other cycling enthusiasts for the initial trial Dave had organised to test the level of interest in a cycling club among young people in Grimsby.

Dave said: “I booked Grimsby Athletic Club for five Saturdays in March 2014 and by the third weekend I knew we had the makings of a great club. Joe was one of the first riders to sign up and I immediately noticed his potential.”

Since the early days Keiran and Joe have developed quickly, picking up experience of time trials as well as national and international junior tours. Keiran is currently riding in the development team at  HMT with JLT Condor Cycling Team and Joe is with Catford CC Equipe / Banks Team.

“As well as ability and tenacity, both riders bring something different to the sport,” said Dave. “Joe is helping to inspire the next generation of cycling enthusiasts through events like the Cleethorpes Cycle Fest which he organised in August 2016.

“Keiran is so single-minded; he watches and replicates the pros and has even developed his own food pack to fuel his rides.”

As well as funding, HMT St Hugh’s has helped introduce NEL Go-Ride cyclists to professional’s through the Ride with the Pros initiative and British National Road Race champion and respected cycling pundit Matt Stephens, who attended the club’s award ceremony in 2014.

Gary Allington, Health Promotion Officer at the hospital, said: “HMT St Hugh’s is dedicated to improving health and wellbeing across the county through the healthcare, research projects and health promotion projects.

“We’re keen to support people who want to develop their skills in activities like cycling so when the opportunity to fund elements of NEL Go-Ride came up, we jumped at the chance to get involved.

“After three years it’s great to see the hard work and dedication of the young cyclists paying off. We’re particularly proud to see Keiran training as part of the junior academy we support, HMT with JLT Condor Cycling Team.”

For more information about how you can join NEL Go-Ride please visit www.britishcycling.org.uk/club/profile/6992/nel-lindsey-go-ride

To find out more about the range of community activities supported by HMT St Hugh’s please visit the website http://hmthospitals.org/st-hughs/community/

If you are part of a community group that is delivering activities that help people keep fit and healthy and you need some funding please get in touch with Gary Allington on 01472 251100.

Ends

Notes to editors:
• St Hugh’s Hospital is owned and managed by the Healthcare Management Trust (HMT) a registered charity and not for profit organisation which was established in 1985.
• HMT is committed to the development of facilities, local health promotion and funding medical research.
• St Hugh’s specialises in the delivery of cosmetic surgery, orthopaedic, ENT and general surgery to private and NHS patients.
• The hospital is part of the Choose and Book scheme which allows any patient in the UK to select St Hugh’s as their hospital of choice for a number of procedures.
• St Hugh’s is dedicated to its community and runs a range of activities to encourage healthy lifestyles in its staff, patients and the public.
• Follow St Hugh’s on Facebook www.facebook.com/hmtsthughshospital and Twitter https://twitter.com/HMTStHughs to keep up to date with the latest news.
• For more information about the hospital and the procedures available please visit the website: http://hmthospitals.org/st-hughs

For media information contact:
Kerri Saxby
Shooting Star
01522 528540
kerri@weareshootingstar.co.uk
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