A chance meeting at a funeral in Orange has led to a group of visiting bike riders donating more than $2000 to Orange Push for Palliative.
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As the riders came through Orange on Saturday led by former Orange resident Bill Eyles they were met by P4P representatives Gail Pringle, Janice Harris and Marg West.
"We were absolutely overwhelmed by the generosity of the group and their large donation," said Mrs Pringle.
Mr Eyles said when he had learned about the work of the group during a visit to Orange several months ago, he encouraged the 30-strong biking group from the annual Iron Bark Ride to support Orange P4P.
"Every year we collect for a charity during out ride and the guys could really relate to the work Orange Push for Palliative is doing in Orange," Mr Eyles said.
"We have riders in our group that have come from a wide area of NSW with a strong contingent from Sydney and the coast," he said.
"I'm an old Orange boy so I can really appreciate show important this cause is for the people of Orange."
President of Orange P4P said the group was surprised and delighted with the size of the donation.
"Now that Orange Health Service is in the process of establishing the specialist Haematology, Oncology and Palliative (HOPS) unit in Medical Ward A on the ground floor of Orange Hospital, we will be able to put this donation to great use to help create a "home like" atmosphere for end of life patients," Mrs Hazelton said.
"We are working collaboratively with Orange Health Service on the palliative care aspects of the ward which has a goal to be opened by Christmas," she said.
Secretary Gail Pringle said the group is grateful to P4P advocate Jean Kennedy.
"It was Jean who was telling Bill about our group and insisted I be introduced - that is how this all happened and we are so grateful," Mrs Pringle said.
The total donated was $2170.
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