Chris (Redwood) is going through the gears to cycle from London to Paris for the hospice

Chris Redwood…. Or?

Imagine being in the countryside having enjoyed watching a stage of the Tour De France, when a Frenchmen approaches and asks, “Are you… Chris?”

How could he possibly know?

Turns out he’d mistaken our Chris, Mr Redwood, for famous 4-time tour winner, Chris Froome. HaHa. Brilliant! 

Chris happened to be wearing a Team Sky cycling jersey at the time and, when you check, the likeness is uncanny. A glimpse of Mr Froome 15 years ahead perhaps?

Taking the compliment in good heart, Chris, Redwood, alongside one happy Frenchman with a selfie, has a story for life.

The photo has not emerged outside of France, as far as we know!

It’s a brilliant story and one which Chris may be reliving when he completes his gruelling four day, 320 miles, cycle from London to Paris on Sunday 26^th July this year.

Chris. Ready to ride out for the hospice

Yes, he’s joined up with organiser’s Global Adventures to join a set of around 100 other riders, representing various charities, on the famous capital to capital bike ride.

Chris Froome or…?

Riding to raise funds for Wirral Hospice St John’s, Wirral born and bred, Chris, remembers the care the hospice gave to his dad, John, in the early 2000’s and later for family friend Annmarie who died in more recent times.

“Dad was a retired GP and knew only too well the compassionate support the hospice provides to people following the diagnosis of a life limiting illness.

It was before Hospice at Home was established and we had had community nursing support while dad was living with his lung cancer.

It was only in the final few days of his life that he entered the hospice inpatients ward for symptom management but almost immediately it felt like a home from home for Mum and the family. It was a blessing. Dad was so well cared for and we were too.

I’ve enjoyed road biking in the last 15 years or so, but my other sport is Kayaking. A friend of ours, Annmarie, enjoyed the sport with us but sadly, she too became ill and came to the hospice where she was also a recipient of the specialist care which gave her family so much comfort in challenging times.

If I can help raise some more funds towards that kind of care and support the London to Paris ride, which is something I’m looking forward to immensely on a personal level, will be even more meaningful.”

Chris is a keen rider and has been able in recent months to get 100 miles in his legs most weekends.

With the support of wife Annette, incidentally a nurse since 1988 and nowadays a clinical educator facilitator at the hospice who brings wisdom and delivers training in all aspects of palliative care to a wide range of health professionals, and children Ciara, Theo and Martha and all their family and friends, Chris is embarking on a true sporting challenge, determined to try and take it all in as the journey unfolds.

There’ll be a lot to take in, Chris, and you know you go with the best wishes of everybody associated with Wirral Hospice St John’s.

Oh and, just be ready for plenty of selfies at the finish from Mr Froome’s fans!

If you’d like to support Chris’s London to Paris bike ride for Wirral Hospice St John’s, please check out his Just Giving page at https://www.justgiving.com/page/chris-redwood-3 

Many Thanks for any kind donation you might make.