Porter looks for cyclists to join his charity fundraiser for little boy who died of cancer

A porter working at De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) is taking on his biggest challenge yet and cycling a round trip of 186 miles, in memory of a boy who tragically lost his life to brain cancer.

Dean Gresswell-Smith, 35, from Quorn, has taken it upon himself to raise money for family and friends of Ari Rainford, and his latest charity event is a bike ride from De Montfort University to Skegness and back! And he is looking for people to sign up and join him on the bike journey.

Dean said: “I really wanted to do something that not only raised money for Rainbows Hospice and was in memory of Ari, but also helped people to push themselves. The charity supported Ari and his family a lot during his illness, so it is important for us to make sure they can do this for others.

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 “In May 2015 around 20 of us cycled from East Midlands to Skegness, which is 93 miles, and about half of those people had never even completed a bike ride half that distance, so really anyone can get involved.”

Dean, who has been working at DMU for just over a year, set up the event after his colleagues showed an interest in taking part.

He currently has around 15 people signed up but is encouraging anyone interested to get involved in the event, which is taking place on Sunday 25^th June from East Midlands Airport at 7am.

Dean said: “The most I have ever cycled is 125 miles, so this is definitely going to be a challenge for me but our last trip was an amazing achievement and this will be even better.”

Participants are welcome to cycle one way or join Dean on the whole trip. Entry is £20 per person and any money raised through sponsorship will go towards the charity. 

He added: “We have a target of £3,000 so any donation big or small is greatly appreciated.”

Rainbows Hospice is a charity which supports children and young people with life-limiting illnesses. They offer families the care they need during such a difficult time.

To donate, visit Dean’s fundraising page http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/TeamAri6 or if you are interested in taking part, email Dean at deangresswellsmith@yahoo.co.uk and visit the Facebook page, Team Ari Bike Ride.