Charity Work – Jon Swannell (LS & L 87) raises over £27,000 for Bone Cancer Research in memory of OH friend

First published 6th June, 2022

In July 2022 Jonathan Swannell (LS & L 87) took part in a fundraising cycle ride of more than 250 miles in memory of his friend Hugh Freeland (L 89) who died of bone cancer in April.

Jon and a group of fellow cyclists were aiming to raise £10,000 in aid of Bone Cancer Research and the Winchester Hospice, which looked after Hugh in his final days. To date, more than £27,000 has been raised.

Oldest friend

As Jon writes, “On Sunday 10th April 2022 one of my oldest friends, Hugh Freeland (left), passed away.

He battled bone cancer for two years but it eventually spread to his spine and lungs and there was nothing more that could be done.

He spent his final few weeks being cared for brilliantly by Winchester Hospice.

He was 45 years old and leaves behind his wife, Rosie, two small boys, Rory (5) and Rafferty (1), and many family and friends who will always miss him.”

Riding for Hughie

In Hugh’s honour Jon and a group of cyclists embarked on a challenge to raise money for both Bone Cancer Research and the Winchester Hospice, with the aim of cycling from London to Salcombe over two days on the 22nd and 23rd of July.

Day one’s ride of over 80 miles (140km) journeyed from London to Winchester, finishing at the hospice which cared for Hugh. Day two travelled from Winchester to Salcombe, a massive 170+ miles (275km); Salcombe was a place dear to Hugh’s heart and where he and Jon spent many happy times. As well as the distance, the cyclists also faced an overall vertical ascent of over 13,000 feet (4,000 m) during the ride.

Other cyclists taking part

Team of cyclists raising money Bone Cancer Charity for the late Old Haileyburian Hugh Freeland

The challenge was daunting but the rewards were great. Amongst those taking part with were Charlie Gough (C 84) (Hugh’s brother), Larry Young and Ash Hein who joined Jon for significant sections. The OHRFC cycling club also joined him on the first leg, creating a peloton for 15-20 riders on day one and four riders for the big day on day two. An instagram account, @rideforhughie, was also set up to keep supporters informed of the team’s progress.

You can still support Jon

Jon and his team have achieved huge success, raising over £27,000 to date. If you would like to support this important event, you can still do so via Jon’s Just Giving page here. Please pledge what you can to this important cause.

There are two fundraising links on the page, please donate to whichever total is currently smaller as Jon is trying to support both charities equally.

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