Staff at Soham pharmacy use pedal power to bring a community together, cycle over 17,000 miles, and raise a tidy sum for charity

Staploe pharmacy of Soham set about raising some funds by completing a three day ‘100 mile per day’ bikathon challenge at the Staploe Medical Centre.

The pharmacy wanted to bring the community together in a healthy living project to commemorate the work of Callum Fairhurst, who cycled 17,342 miles around the world in memory of his brother Liam in 2015.

The pharmacy project was part of an annual fundraiser for the Soham Pumpkin Fair beneficiaries which took place on Saturday.

The idea was pitched to the Ross Peers Sports Centre who volunteered to provide an exercise bike for the event which took place over the previous two days with the final at the pumpkin fair.

The response from the community was overwhelming with many volunteers signing up to take part in 15 minute exercise slots throughout the day to keep the bike running from 9am to 6pm each day to complete the challenge.

Not only did the patients help out but GPs, admin staff, pharmacy staff, Soham Strong Mums and members of the neighbourhood cares team came together to ensure the cycling continued to reach the target of 100 miles each day which Callum aimed for as part of his round the world tour.

Callum attended the pumpkin fair to support the charity work and even participated in taking up a cycle slot.

Overall 356 miles was achieved across the three days, which is an amazing achievement considering the variance of abilities participating.

“It just demonstrates the community spirit in this small town,” said organisers.

“Not only has the event brought people together for a worthy cause but it has raised a massive £407.69 which is the result of donations at the event. It is remarkable and makes us all proud to be part of the community.”