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Charity cycle for student left paralysed in knife attack
22.05.09
A group of charity fundraisers will attempt to cycle 600 miles in six days to support a student left paralysed in a knife attack.
Oli Hemsley, from Ely, Cambridgeshire, was attacked in Shoreditch, east London, in August 2008.
The student at London's Central Saint Martins art college spent 134 days in intensive care and has been told he will never walk again.
His brother, Will, will lead 23 other cyclists across three countries in the attempt to raise more than £50,000.
He said: "The fight my little brother has shown to stay alive has been truly inspirational, I hope I can repay that inspiration by getting across the Alps.
"This challenge not only will allow us to raise funds and give hope to those suffering paralysis and spinal injuries but it also gives us the opportunity to raise awareness of the growing problem that is knife crime; both in our capital and across the rest of the UK.
"It would be tremendous if as many Londoners as possible can help support us - even as little as £1 will help take us closer towards meeting our £50,000 target, helping Oli and other Londoners suffering paralysis and spinal injuries. Donate online at www.ride2recovery.co.uk."
The group set off from Waterloo Station on Sunday before cycling through France and Switzerland.
The money raised will be split between two spinal injury charities and a trust set up to support Oli.
Artwork donated by Tracey Emin was auctioned at a previous fundraising event, Art Against Knives, attended by singer Will Young and Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe.
