A man who has been a stalwart of the Boys’ Brigade in Armley for about 45 years is to get on his bike to support a children’s hospice.
Lee Metcalfe, 51, joined the 11th Leeds Boys Brigade when he was ‘six or seven’ years old, and has gone on to volunteer in a number of positions, including leader and now treasurer.
Lee is taking part in a sponsored bike ride over 200 miles from Leeds to the tip of Spurn Point via Hull with fellow volunteer Kevin Pyett. They set off on Saturday and will return on Sunday and aim to raise money in memory of Abbie Wilson, who passed away in a road traffic accident on 27 December aged just 10 years old.
Abbie’s dad, Darren, is captain at the 11th Leeds, which is based at Whingate Methodist Church.
“We wanted to do something in Abbie’s memory and asked Darren and his family where they wanted the money to go, and they suggested Martin House Hospice for children and young people,” said Lee, who has previously undertaken sponsored cycles across Europe when he was younger.
He added: “Martin House is a wonderful charity that supports children, young people and families with bereavement counselling across West, North and East Yorkshire. Our challenge is to cycle over 200 miles in two days.”
The fundraiser has already raised £1,265 and is less than £100 away from its target. You can donate and find out more about the fundraiser here. The duo are sponsored by Solutions Lighting in Bramley.Â
Lee says he’s loved his time with the Boys’ Brigade over the years. “As a boy it was my friendship group and all my friends were there. As time went on I progressed on to being a leader to start giving back to some of the younger lads.” Lee said. “That’s what has kept me going all these years, even though I’ve stepped back from week on week duties.”
All sections meet on a Wednesday at Whingate Methodists between 6pm and 8pm. More details here.
Sponsored content
