 | A group of four, Emmanuel College sixth formers have teamed up to cycle around New Zealand, raising money for the hospital unit that saved one of their lives. A year ago, while on exercise with the Royal Marine Reserves, Mark Coffell developed a life-threatening bacterial infection, which entered his blood stream. The 18-year-old was rushed to Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary where he spent a week in intensive care and was treated for toxic shock and septicaemia. |
Now recovered, Mark, along with brother Michael and friends Christiaan Jones-Gardner and Iain Johnston, plans to use his gap year to raise money for the RVI's intensive care unit which saved his life.
With an ambitious £10,000 target, the boys' eight-ten week journey will start in February 2010 and cover 1,500 miles, with the team cycling around 25 miles per day. You can follow the group’s progress around new Zealand as they tackle this unique, once-in-a-lifetime experience, via their internet blog – New Zealand Charity Cycle Challenge Should you wish to make a donation, please contact the PA to the Principal at Emmanuel College or telephone 0191 460 2099. |  |