Danielle's pie throw and cycle challenge in memory of cousin

Danielle Griffiths, deputy practice manager at Kinfauns Vets, has set herself the challenge of clocking up 40 miles on a static bike in support of an air ambulance charity.

Danielle has set herself a cycling challenge in memory of her cousin (Image: VetPartners Ltd.)

She will then invite colleagues and clients of the veterinary practice in Little Clacton to boost her fundraising total by donating £1 to throw pies at her.

Danielle is fundraising for Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex (KSS) in memory of her beloved cousin Aimee Williams, who was sadly killed in a road accident aged 30 in 2022.

The event will take place on March 28, the anniversary of Aimee’s death.

On the same day, friends and relatives of Aimee will take part in the Aimee Williams Memorial Ride in aid of KSS, following a route that takes cyclists from Redhill in Surrey to Rochester in Kent.

Danielle said the KSS crew attended Aimee’s accident, but she passed away at the scene.

“It gave us a lot of comfort to know that the air ambulance team was with Aimee during her final moments and that someone was caring for her," she said. "The KSS team was also very supportive to Aimee’s family after the accident, which is why I want to give back by raising money for them. Air ambulance crews all over the country do incredible work to help save lives, but it costs a lot of money to run the service, and each call out costs around £4,000."

“Aimee and I grew up together, so it has been devastating to lose her. She was an inspirational person who would give every minute of her time to help anyone. I wanted to support the charity cycle ride but unfortunately I can’t be there so I thought I’d organise my own charity challenge. I don’t cycle at all, so achieving the 40 miles will be tough but I wanted to fundraise while doing something that would be challenging for me, and I’ll be working hard for all the donations.”

Danielle, pictured with veterinary nurse Eve Ingram, is cycling in aid of an air ambulance charity (Image: Supplied)

Danielle expects to take around four hours to complete the distance and she will be cheered on by her colleagues at Kinfauns Vets.

She is preparing for the feat by pedalling between five and eight miles a day, and even incorporated some cycling into a recent holiday to Australia to help keep her fitness levels up.

Danielle has set herself the target of raising £350 through a Just Giving page, and donations can be made at justgiving.com/page/d-griffiths-1706738981508?utm_term=92yYGPV6p

There are also charity collection boxes at Kinfauns Vets in Little Clacton as well as its Dovercourt surgery in Harwich, for anyone who would like to donate in person.