Tim Bridgman thanks cycle challenge donators

The husband of a Devon woman killed while on a fundraising cycle challenge has thanked donators from around the world ahead her funeral earlier today.

Sharon Bridgman, 38 was killed in April after she was struck by a motorist whilst on a round-the-world, to raise money for the charity Shelterbox, with her husband Tim.

Since the news reached them last month, the couple's friends and family have worked hard to raise more than £9,100 of the initial £10,000 target in an effort to commemorate Sharon’s memory.

In an update to the couples’ Just Giving page, Tim Bridgman writes: “On the 26th of April 2014 in a remote area in south west Bolivia, Sharon was hit by a 4x4 and was killed instantly. Having such a love for life and everyone she met it is hard to believe she is gone.

“Having the desire to help a charity as important as ShelterBox meant so much to Sharon and I and we are so grateful to all of your generous donations.

“However hard it is to come to terms with her loss, knowing your gift could allow someone else the chance to survive from the events in life none of us have control over, makes a difference. Thank you Tim xxxx”

Their two-year journey had already taken them from Norway across Europe and Africa with many of the recent donations coming from friends the couple met on their travels.

One pair, 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 friend of Sharon’s explained their decision to try and raise the money in Sharon’s memory: “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.”

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

To read about their journey in Sharon’s own words visit: http://north2northcycletour.wordpress.com