Shields teen cycles the coast to coast twice in four days to raise over £2,000 for the NHS

Brian Marshall from South Shields has raised over £2,000 from South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust after medical professionals cared for his mum as she was dying.

Jayne Marshall sadly passed away on Monday, September 28, at Sunderland Royal Hospital after battling liver cirrhosis and pneumonia.

Following her death, Brian decided that he would cycle the coast to coast twice over four days in order to raise money as a thank you for the care that his mum received.

Before doing the challenge, the teenager said: “I got into cycling during lockdown and I wanted to do the coast to coast anyway but with my mam dying, it has given me an extra reason to do it.”

On Thursday, October 29 Brian completed his goal, covering around 300 miles in the process, and has told the Gazette how he had found the experience.

He said: “It was tough, both physically and mentally. The weather was horrendous, the full way to Whitehaven was just head on winds but I managed to power through it.

"I have to say that going through the lake district was incredible, the scenery was beautiful and I could see for miles despite the wind and rain.

"The way back was so much better, the wind was behind me and it made it easier.”

At the time of writing, Brian was managed to raise £2,300 for the NHS – something he knows that his mum Jayne would have been proud of.

He added: “The support I’ve received has been overwhelming and kept me gong, everyone who has donated will be helping our community and local hospitals.

"My mam would be buzzing with what I’ve done, she loved doing crazy stuff like this and I’m over the moon with what I’ve achieved.

"I think it will be the start of many challenges, just maybe not in the winter months. I think I’d definitely prefer the summer.”

Brian’s fundraiser is still live and people can continue to donate to him. If you wish to make a donation, you can do so by clicking here.

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