US cycling duo’s distress
High profile industry names have appealed for funds after a British charity cycle duo were hospitalised in the US. Some of the best-known names in the industry are urging agents to help the two fund raisers achieve their £100,000 target after their charity cycle ride across the US was interrupted by a serious road accident.
Last month Midlands estate agent Sean Newman and his friend James Golding set off on a gruelling, 3,500 mile cycle ride between Los Angeles and Miami to raise money for the Macmillan Cancer Fund.
The idea came to them after James, who used to work as an estate agent before moving into construction, was diagnosed with cancer and given a five per cent chance of surviving - but after nine months in hospital, he pulled through.
To thank Macmillan Cancer Fund for the care and support they gave his family, James and Sean, who is MD of West Midlands firm Newman Estate Agents, set off on June 21st from Los Angeles aiming to cross the US in just 30 days, cycling up to 120 miles a day.
But on the way the duo were hit by a speeding lorry and both were hospitalised with serious injuries. Although James is now recovering fast, Sean is in a more serious state after suffering two broken legs, a broken pelvis, back and numerous other injuries. He is currently undergoing a series of operations.
Their family, friends, colleagues and all of us at TDPG are thinking of them but they still need help. The two remain committed to raising the £100,000 for Macmillan despite their injuries and are appealing to agents across the UK to help with donations.
“Sean is inspirational in the way he runs his business and the work he has done for good causes. All of us at the Estate Agency Foundation and TDPG wish him a speedy recovery. The Foundation’s ‘1 in 1000’ campaign is an opportunity for fellow estate and letting agencies to recognise Sean’s work and lend their support,” says Jon Notley, Sales Director at TDPG.
Peter Knight, Lucy Morton, Michael Robson, Jon Notley and many other members of the Estate Agency Foundation, which is helping coordinate the effort, say that if just 1,000 estate agent branches could donate £100 each then James and Sean’s £100,000 target will be achieved.
“Sean has contributed so much to this industry and it would be great if we could give him a little back now by donating money to the charities that he is so keen to support,” says Peter Knight. “I know that he’s worried at the moment that the accident will stop them delivering on their fund raising promises so if we can lift that burden from his shoulders then he and James will be able concentrate on getting better.”
To help Sean and James reach their target, please donate here
