Two West Midlands lawyers with limited cycling experience have raised almost £4,000 by peddling through three different countries in as many days.
Andy Shaw and Steven Santy, leading personal injury lawyers at Higgs LLP, took part in the Spinal Injury Association’s (SIA) Vine and Rhine cycle challenge through France, Switzerland and Germany.
The challenge saw a 40-strong group shift through the gears to complete around 60 miles each day.
Andy said: “It certainly wasn’t easy and we were both a bit saddle sore, but it was really enjoyable and we were so pleased to be involved.
“Steven has only recently started cycling but he actually got stronger as the challenge progressed and was feeling much better on day three than I was.
“Gary Dawson and David Easton are support coordinators at the SIA and are wheelchair users. It was inspiring to see them complete the ride and how they pushed their bodies along the way.
“The ride finished at the waterfall in Schaffhausen, which was an amazing sight accompanied by a great feeling of achievement.”
Higgs is a Trusted Legal Partner of the SIA in the West Midlands region and a long-time champion of the charity, which offers information, advocacy and support to people affected by spinal cord injury.
Andy said: “We’re now into our third year of being a partner of the SIA and it’s something we’re extremely proud to be involved with.
“They do amazing work with those affected by spinal cord injuries and we have the privilege of working alongside them to support many of our clients who have suffered life-changing events.
“Steven and I are really pleased to have raised almost £4,000, which will make a significant difference.”
Higgs LLP’s clients with spinal cord injuries often sustained through road traffic and bicycle accidents joy a number of benefits, through access to SIA’s support network including specialist nurses, trained counsellors and an advocacy team.
There are around 50,000 people living with spinal cord injury in the UK and, each year, around 2,500 are injured or diagnosed through accident or injury, or through other health conditions such as a tumour or spinal compression.
