Over the past 3 years Sports Therapy students and staff from Teesside University have supported athletes at the Great North Bike Ride. The event is in aid of a charity called the Chris Lucas Trust, an organisation which raises money for research for children with Rhabdomyosarcoma, a form of muscular cancer which affects approximately 1,400 children each year. We recently spoke to Senior Sports Therapy lecturer Helen Llewellyn and students to find out more about their work at the event and the Chris Lucas Trust
We hear a lot about The Great North Run but can you tell us about The Great North Bike Ride and where it takes place?
The Great North Bike Run (GNBR) is a 57 mile ride along the Northumberland coastline from Seahouses to Tynemouth Priory. It originally started in 2000 when 6 friends of Chris Lucas decided to do a sponsored cycle ride for the charity. In 2001 the number of riders had increased to 58 and by 2011 the number of cyclists had exceeded 2300. The GNBR has become a major local event, attracting elite and recreational cyclists from the North East and beyond.
How did the opportunity to provide support at the Great North Bike Ride initially come about?
The Lucas family are personal friends and in conversation I had mentioned that our students had volunteered at the Great North Run, as massage therapists. The charity asked if we would be able to provide a similar role for them. The University agreed that this was a good opportunity for our students to gain some ‘hands on’ experience.
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The Teesside University students were kept busy throughout the dayWhat was the student’s role? How many students attended this year? Were the students all from the same year? Did any staff other than yourself attend?
The students provided post event massage for the riders. This year 8 students from the second and third year and I attended the event.
What time did the team have to get to the event to set up and where were you based?
The team arrived at the event for 10am to set up the massage plinths in the marquee at the finishing line. The first riders came through between 11- 11.30am.
How was the service run? Was it a drop in facility?
The massage service was run as a drop in facility; although at times we had a rather large queue of cyclists who were more than happy to wait to receive their well-earned massage.
How busy was the service you and your team offered? Would you have an idea
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The Teesside University students in actionon how many riders the Teesside team saw?
As the event attracts many elite cyclists the students were busy from the start. However, the greatest number of cyclists completed the ride in 3 – 4 hours and this is when our service was in most demand. The team of students provided in excess of 150 massages at the event.
What was the feedback from the riders? Did they see it as beneficial?
The feedback from the riders was extremely positive. Many commented on the high standard of professionalism demonstrated by our students and all were very grateful for the service provided. In addition, many riders donated money to the charity for their massage.
We understand 2011 was a very special year for this charity. Can you tell us why?
In 2011 the charity achieved a £1m milestone, which, considering their original target was to raise £70,000 to fund a researcher for 2 years, is an amazing feat for a small local charity.
Helen, of what benefit do you think attending events such as the Great North Bike Ride to the students?
These types of events are of great benefit to our students as they have the opportunity to gain experience in a post event sports specific environment. The more work based experience a student gains while at University, the greater the range of employability skills they will be able to evidence upon completion of their degree.
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Teesside University Students have supported riders at the Great North Run since 2005How important is being able to support charities such as the Chris Lucas Trust and having the opportunity to make a real difference?
It is vitally important, especially in times of austerity, that we are able to support a local charity. There is, as yet, no cure for Rhabdomyosarcoma. However, it is imperative that funding is maintained to support the research in to this rare and aggressive childhood cancer.
Are there any future plans for Teesside University students to help out at other events?
Since 2005 the students of Teesside University have worked at the Great North Run for both the NSPCC and Nova international. As a former student at Teesside University, I volunteered for this event and found it an invaluable experience.
Some of the Teesside University students, who took part at the event, said the following:
“A really beneficial experience, great to add to my CV” “The day was very long and tiring but enjoyable. Looking back on my experience I was delighted to be able to contribute to a worthwhile cause. A great experience” “I couldn’t believe how many cyclists were queuing; it was just one massage after another. It made me realise how physically demanding our job can be” I was absolutely delighted when I heard the news that over £1 million had been raised by the Chris Lucas Trust. The largest proportion of fund raising has come from the GNBR and I feel very proud that Teesside University students have been involved in this event. Shortly after the GNBR, the Chris Lucas Trust Founder, Lynn Lucas, contacted Helen to let her know how grateful she was for the Teesside University students’ support. Lynn Lucas said: ‘’Helen, yourself and your students have kindly supported this major event for the past three years, this is greatly appreciated by the charity. May I take this opportunity to say on behalf of the Chris Lucas Trust I would like to sincerely thank you Helen and your students for their invaluable work, providing a massage service that helps cyclists with their much needed recovery after their 60 mile cycle ride. The feedback we have received over the years about this particular service is excellent. Your service really does make the Great North Bike Ride, a memorable day for thousands who take part in this event from all over the Country’’
