The Sky Bet Every Minute Matters Relay is helping raise awareness on the importance of CPR training and how it can be learnt in just 15 minutes.
We caught up with our cyclists who rode from Brunton Park to the Stadium of Light last week to hear more about their experience.
University of Cumbria Professor, Ian Convery, explained why he took part in the event, saying: “The university has a strong commitment to working with the club and one of the areas we've been focusing on is active travel and cycling.
"This ride was therefore a good fit and linked well with some of the activities we're planning together.”
On why Graham Moss chose to participate, he told us: “Ian asked me!
"I’m a keen cyclist and always looking for challenges, so decided to do the first two stages. Barrow to Carlisle and then the leg to Sunderland.
"My dad survived a heart attack in his 50s, younger than I am now, so anything to do with related matters is close to my heart. I was also aware of how Carlisle striker Charlie Wyke had received CPR after collapsing some years ago, so it all added up."
Fellow cycling enthusiast and Senior Lecturer at the University of Cumbria, Mark Lawton stated: “Cycling for me is about spending time with people and chatting and sharing stories as you go. It's about interacting with the people that you pass and seeing new places. I done this because it was an opportunity to see new places and help to promote a really important cause”
On the raising awareness of CPR, University of Cumbria Course Leader, Nigel Dykes told us: “It is a great cause, and those skills are a lifesaver, I know a close friend who had CPR and defib recently, so can really appreciate that CPR prolongs life and it can save people. The more people with the skills the better as it can happen to anyone at anytime. I had just updated my first aid certification, so it was very timely to support such a great cause.”
Ian continued: “The Every Minute Matters initiative is incredibly important and it's fantastic to see the EFL and CUFC support this. I was pleased that the University Student Paramedic Society came along to the MK Dons game and provided CPR training. It's important that as many people as possible learn this vital skill, your never know when a family member, friend or colleague may need CPR and a few minutes of training could save a life.”
The relay team were invited to attend the MK Dons fixture, where they made an appearance on the pitch at half-time and fans were able to show their support.
“As a Carlisle fan and season ticket holder, I had a massive grin on my face walking down the tunnel and onto the pitch, and we got a great reaction from the Brunton Park crowd. It was a fantastic experience.”
Fellow Carlisle fan Graham added: “I’ve been watching Carlisle since the mid 1970s, the First Division season, so was very excited to walk down the tunnel and stand in front of the Paddock."
Mark then explained: “To be honest, I was a little nervous as I wondered what the welcome would be like. However, I needn't have. It was a great experience, the cheer from the crowd was great and it was so nice when people came up to you after the game to wish you good luck. People were obviously listening and were interested in the event.”
Following the late finish and after a night of rest the cyclists returned to Brunton Park early the next day to start on their journey to Sunderland. Head Coach Mark Hughes and attacker Charlie Wyke were on hand to give the cyclists a good send off.
“I think we were all slightly anxious at the start, we're all experienced cyclists but you never know what might happen on a long ride and we didn't want to let anyone down. It was amazing to have Mark and Charlie there at the start, they both clearly cared about the cause.” Ian told us.
The cyclists' journey took them along Hadrian’s Wall over to Newcastle then on to Sunderland. Speaking on the ride, Nigel said: ”I really enjoyed the bits along Hadrian's Wall, the roads along the River Tyne, arriving in Newcastle and the last bit to the Stadium of Light on the cycle path when we could see the stadium."
Ian added: “The ride was great, it helped that we had good weather but the route was well planned with excellent support from the Sky Bet team, they looked after us really well."
Upon arrival at the Stadium of Light, the team were welcomed by volunteer minibus driver for the day Keith Ward and Club Executive Support Officer Peter Dunn alongside representatives from Sunderland Association Football Club.
On the event Peter said: “The team have done an exceptional job, with a special shout out to Graham who also cycled from Barrow to Carlisle the previous day. Its great for the Club to be involved in this event and thanks to the University of Cumbria for representing Carlisle United and providing paramedics to train our fans at the MK Dons game.
"Thanks must also go to Cumbria Community Transport for providing transportation for our cyclists back from Sunderland, and Levi at Bike7, who provided kit to use in the event of an emergency”
