£18,538.10 raised in Memory of Carl Millen
Wrekenton Methodist Community Church organised a 37 mile bike ride from the church via Swalwell and Consett to Birtley which took place on Saturday 12th May 2007. This was a joint venture between Wrekenton Methodist Community Church and Lord Lawson of Beamish School. The purpose of this event was to raise money for the purchase of a Cooler Blanket in the Critical Care Department of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in memory of Carl Millen.
Carl was a student at Lord Lawson and a young member of the Methodist Church at Wrekenton. He was in a car accident in November 2006 and was rushed in to intensive care at the QE where he stayed for over three weeks, whilst being looked after and operated on several times. Carl sadly passed away on 14 December aged 16. Whilst in Critical Care, Carl talked about organising a bike ride to raise funds for an additional Cooler Blanket as he found this particularly helpful during his time there and there are currently only two available for the whole department. They cost over £3000 each.
Carl’s parents then took up his wish and set the ball rolling by gathering a few friends together from the church. Above all, they wanted the school to be an integral part of the fundraising. Everyone was so willing to do anything to help that there was no shortage of volunteers including staff and teachers at school, and, uniformed organisations at church. Numbers had to be limited to the Sixth Form at Lord Lawson and they started fundraising immediately – roses sold for Valentine’s Day (Carl’s Birthday), boys versus girls Netball, non-uniform days, bike donated by Halfords raffled.
Meanwhile, work progressed towards the bike ride itself and because of the number of people of all ages wanting to be involved; an ‘Angel of the North’ walk was arranged for the same day.
There were 120 cyclists on 12 May arriving at church from 7am for bacon sandwiches. A packed lunch and refreshments were also provided on route. Riders set off in 10 groups of 12 between 7.30 and 8.15 with one group starting at Swalwell. Members and friends of the church including Carl’s family and neighbours, teachers and sixth form students from Lord Lawson took part and there was a great feeling of fun, respect and fellowship throughout the whole day. St John’s Ambulance also provided valuable support. The bike ride took approximately 6 hours to complete.
Including ‘the Angel’ walk a total of 250 people aged from 5 months to 70 something years were involved in either: cycling, walking, marshalling and supporting in various ways. A night time ‘Do’ was held at the Stormont Main Social Club including a band – buffet – raffle – disco, with proceeds in aid of the Critical Care Unit at the Q.E. Hospital.
A week later, nurses from the Maternity Unity of the QE completed a walk from Wylam to Newcastle Quayside, each making a donation to the fund.
During the morning service at Wrekenton Methodist Community Church on Sunday 17th June a presentation was made to the Critical Care Department of all the money raised in memory of Carl, a total of £18,538.10.