A local cyclist has helped raise thousands of dollars for the Chatham-Kent (CK) Hospice all by riding a bike.<\/p>\n
Jeff Thibert is recovering from a 1,200 kilometre trek in late August, which he took in hopes of collecting donations for the end-of-life facility.<\/p>\n
So far, he’s been able to collect over $7,000, with hopes of reaching $12,000 by Labour Day.<\/p>\n
Thibert completed the journey, travelling back and forth between Tilbury and Paris, Ontario twice, in around 87 hours.<\/p>\n
He told Mike and Cheryl on BIG COUNTRY 91.3 FM’s morning show The BIG Breakfast that the ride was much more challenging than people think.<\/p>\n
“The distance is long enough and challenging enough, but weather conditions really played a factor. We had lots of wind, lots of storms, and the temperatures really dropped,” said Thibert.<\/p>\n
This is the second time he’s taken part in a long-distance ride for CK’s Hospice.<\/p>\n
In 2024, he rode 1,000 km after a friend challenged him. He decided to take part in support of the facility because of the work the staff did to keep his grandma comfortable in her final days.<\/p>\n
“I thought this was a way to raise money. I can spin a crank on a bike; that’s the only thing I’m good at,” explained Thibert.<\/p>\n
Fundraisers like Thibert’s are necessary for the hospice, as the facility is only partially government-funded. Knowing this fact, Thibert is considering doing at least one more bike ride in support.<\/p>\n