On their bikes in memory of Harvey (From This is Hampshire)

On their bikes in memory of Harvey

12:10pm Thursday 9th July 2009

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A GROUP of 15 friends raised more than £4,000 for the British Heart Foundation (BHF), after an Andover uncle’s idea to take part in this year’s BHF London to Brighton Bike Ride in memory of Harvey Rutherford, who sadly died at the end of November last year, aged five weeks.

Born at Salisbury District Hospital on October 25, Harvey was thought to be a perfectly healthy baby boy.

However, when he was three weeks old it was discovered that he had a serious heart defect (truncus arteriosis) and he was taken to the cardiac unit at Southampton General Hospital.

He underwent major heart surgery, but died three days later in the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit.

Harvey’s uncle Dan Rutherford from Andover came up with the idea to raise vital funds.

Dan and Harvey’s dad, Phil Rutherford, from Salisbury had completed the ride before in the 1990s and it was agreed that to enter again for such a worthy cause would be a fitting tribute to the memory of a much missed son.

The idea was mentioned to friends and family, with many registering with the BHF to take part – and Team Harvey was started.

Phil said: “For people to do this in memory of our son is something that Emma and I will always be grateful for.

“It was a very long day, but a very enjoyable one and everyone was smiling at the end.

“Thanks must also go to those who have supported the team by providing transport and equipment.

“Andover Self Hire provided a van to transport the bikes and the RAF Support Unit at MOD Boscombe Down provided a minibus at a discounted price. “My employer QinetiQ at MoD Boscombe Down kindly paid for the team cycling shirts, which were supplied by Stonehenge Cycles of Salisbury.

“Lastly, we must thank those who have sponsored Team Harvey, by giving money towards the BHF in Harvey’s memory”.

It’s not too late to sponsor Team Harvey visit justgiving.com/teamharvey.

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