Loving granddaughter Stacey Downton-Collins will be raising vital funds for Birmingham Hospice when she saddles up for our Ride the Reservoir cycling event in tribute to much-loved ‘Gramps’, Brian Gates.
Stacey is currently gearing up her preparations to ride 75 kilometres from Newman University in Bartley Green on April 27 2025, as a thank you to the Selly Park Inpatient Unit (IPU) and Hospice at Home teams, who helped to care for Brian and supported the family in 2022.
It’s also the perfect opportunity for Stacey to get in shape ahead of her honeymoon with partner Naomi, who she married in June this year, next May.
“I was planning to ride it this year, but it was just before my wedding, and I didn’t want to get injured, or I would get in trouble!” said Stacey.
“But the next one is a week before we go away on our honeymoon to Rhodes. I wanted to raise money for Birmingham Hospice and get fit, so it’s perfect.
“I ride four miles to work and have done 10 miles before, but this will be the longest distance I have ever done. I have bought a new bike, already planned my preparation, and Naomi’s helping me train.”
Naomi’s family had always supported Birmingham Hospice and called on our help when Brian was diagnosed with terminal oesophagus cancer in March 2022.
Brian’s pride and joy was his Robin Reliant tricycle, which he’d built in the 1970s, and he was well-known in Longbridge for riding around the area and playing music.
“Brian was my partner’s grandad. I lost my grandparents when I was young and he made me feel so welcome when I joined the family, I considered him my grandad,” explained Stacey.
“He was a character, and he loved the Robin Reliant tricycle. He was well-known in the area and rode around playing loud music.
“He’d play Abba, Johnny Cash and Tammy Wynette. I remember Naomi and I driving down the Stratford Road and hearing Abba being played loudly, and it was Brian!”
When Brian’s illness worsened, he had two spells of respite care at the Selly Park IPU, where our committed staff made him feel comfortable and supported. They even organised for an optician to come in and give him an eye test.
The Hospice at Home team helped to care for Brian when he was back in his house and supported the family, especially Brian’s wife.
“He was a character, he was very funny, and he made friends with the staff,” added Stacey.
“They were so wonderful, they looked after him when he needed support and helped us through a really difficult time. We called them angels.”
Brian surpassed expectations by surviving longer than expected but the family said goodbye to him in December 2022.
People who want to sponsor Stacey can visit her Just Giving Page to pledge support.
Ride and Reservoir will be celebrating its 10th year in 2025 and is inviting local people to tackle 75km, 100km or 100 miles distances. Why not consider signing up and support the hospice’s efforts to provide expert palliative care for those with terminal illness?
