Friends of Sharon close in on target

Friends and family raising money in memory of Sharon Bridgman, a Devon woman killed while on a round-the-world cycle challenge, are close to raising their £10,000 target.

Sharon, 38 from near Okehampton, was cycling in Bolivia with her husband Tim when she was struck and killed by a motorist.

The couple, were in Boliva as part of a two-year journey that had already taken them from Norway across Europe and Africa to raise money for a disaster relief charity.

To commemorate Sharon’s memory, friends of the couple have decided to try and reach the couple’s original fundraising target of £10,000.

A friend of Sharon’s explained: “I have always been a keen fundraiser and have always had great support from everyone, including Tim and Sharon, so when they set upon their epic adventure, of course I would follow them.

Some of the stories left you feeling ah poor them and others made you think wow; you two are such brave heroes. To lose Sharon as a friend, goodness only knows how Tim and the families must feel, it is unbearable.

“I have always been a great believer in doing something positive when something negative occurs and so to see the funding through to the target now in Sharon's memory would be awesome.

“The response has been amazing and the fact so many who they have met on their journey have donated shows how fantastically they have been welcomed by others. There is so much good in this world at times it is hard not to think of only the hard times but Sharon would want everyone to carry on the good work, of that I have no doubt.

“Sharon was beautiful inside and outside and everyone who met her loved her, she will be so terribly missed, a light on earth has gone out but you can bet it will be shining so brightly in heaven”

The total number of donations has already risen to more than £8,000 many from people Sharon and Tim met on their journey.

Jeff and Lorraine Pearson write: “We met Tim & Sharon on top of Uluru (Ayres Rock) Central Australia & then when they stayed & worked with our friends at Cockaleechie, SA.
“Devastating news of Sharon's death. An inspirational couple!"

Another donator, Richard Cumming-Bruce writes: “I met Sharon and Tim near the top of the Andes when on a wine trip in Chile and Argentina. Very touched by their determination, warmth and generosity of spirit.

The donations go towards Sharon’s chosen charity Shelterbox, a Cornwall-based charity that provides international disaster relief.

A spokesman for Shelterbox wrote that everyone at the charity was deeply shocked and saddened by the loss.

“It is beyond sadness that the Bridgmans’ great exploit has ended in tragedy, and will never be completed.” A spokesman wrote.

“We are very proud and grateful that the Bridgmans chose ShelterBox to benefit from their generosity of spirit.... it is beyond sadness that the Bridgmans’ great exploit has ended in tragedy, and will never be completed.

They continued: “In paying tribute to Sharon, our hearts go out to Tim and to all Sharon's family and friends at this desperately sad time.”

For more information about how Sharon and Tiim’s fundraising visit: https://www.justgiving.com/north2northcycletour