Bicycle ride remembers carer Paula

CHEQUE . . . Kevin Longdon presents a cheque to Sarah Horsfield manager of Franklin House, watched by members of Paula White's family and bike riders as well as care home resident Mary Race

A FRANKLIN House carer who died on New Year's Day 2014 is still very much in her loved ones' thoughts.

Friends and family of Paula White, who died after contracting pneumonia during cancer treatment, raised £1,300 during a bike ride from Blackpool to Oldham and they donated the money to the care home in memory of her.

Last July, they cycled 62 miles from Blackpool to Corpus Christie Primary RC School in Chadderton.

And on Saturday, May 27, members of Paula's family presented a cheque to Sarah Horsfield, Franklin House manager, next to the bench which has been dedicated to her.

Kevin Longdon, a close family friend, asked Paula's husband Stephen Nelson if he could organise the ride in her memory.

More than happy for it to go ahead, Stephen and other family members got involved themselves.

On the day of the ride, friends and family waited at the finish to cheer the cyclists across and Stephen was joined by his youngest son, on his metal scooter, as they crossed the finish line together.

Kevin said: "Originally, Paula became ill, she had cancer and was receiving treatment when she contracted pneumonia.

"And 12 months after her death I wanted to do something. It was a bit of a goal for myself really for fitness, but I wanted to do something for Paula, so came up with the idea of the bike ride."

He said: "Because Paula worked for Franklin House any money raised we decided would go to the care home.

"We wanted to show Paula how much we are still thinking of her."

Sarah Horsfield added: "The bike ride was really good, there was quite a lot of people involved. The generosity was overwhelming.

"We're going to have a meeting with the staff and ask the residents what they would like to see the money spent on. It is for them. Paula worked here, but passed away quite suddenly, and the bike ride was organised in memory of her."