Why I ride - Sandra Rushton

"It was clear to me that I needed to pay it forward and help in some way. I truly didn’t know the resources that hospice offered until we were in the middle of it."

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I have retired from the financial industry twice, and now work on casual for Campbell River Hospice, helping out holiday relief at the hospice office and the Thrift Store. I have lived in Campbell River since 2006 and met my husband Mike here through Rotary. We have two kids, seven grandkids and six great grandkids between us. I have much gratitude for the life we get to have and adopted a pay it forward way of life many years ago, fully appreciating all the help and support I received to have this life. I was a single parent for many years with two small children. That first year was a tough one and at Christmas time of that year my co-workers at the time all got together and put together the makings of a Christmas dinner and left it in my car at end of day. On my way home, I rushed out to jump in my car and saw the box of food there and looked up to all the staff standing there wishing me a Merry Christmas (tears). It was on that experience and that day that I knew I needed to somehow find a way to pay kindness forward.

What first brought you the Cycle of Life Tour? What keeps you coming back? 

I was at a Rotary meeting when Kelly Fisher, one of our current Soul Cyclers, stood up and paid “happy dollars” for completing her first ride. The look of pride on her face of her accomplishment was a feeling that I wanted to experience. At the time I was out of shape, thinking about retiring and needed a life change. I keep coming to the back to the Cycle of Life Tour, because spreading the word about what hospice does is so important and supporting counsellors to continue to help our community is vital, especially now with what is happening with drug overdoses and the pandemic. 

Why is it important to you to suport hospice care?

I was talking to Kelly about why she signed up, and it reminded me of the kindness my sister and I received when we were looking after our Mom who had been diagnosed with stage four lung cancer at age 74 and her time with us was limited. Hospice came over and helped us cope and walked us through next stages each time we needed it. This was a stressful time and the kindness of hospice workers and the palliative care program helped us immensely. The counselling we received through this process helped us say what we needed to say and send our Mom off on her next journey with love and respect. My sister and I felt so fortunate to care for her in her last days in her own home. Getting counselling helped us feel like we did exactly the right thing for our Mom with love and kindness, and it helped us manage our grief and the grief of our kids. It was clear to me that I needed to pay it forward and help in some way. I truly didn’t know the resources that hospice offered until we were in the middle of it. I felt that what hospice does is way too important, and that everyone needed to know the services they offer. This ride just fit so many things I wanted in my life at that time. Pay forward kindness, while improving my health and fitness which is essentially being kinder to myself. 

What is one of your favourite memories about the ride?

The first year I rode I honestly thought, “What the heck did I get myself into?” (lol), and I pushed my bike up some of the tougher hills. When we were done, I felt so proud – proud of the funds we raised as a team, proud of team support and super proud I finished the course. The second year I was determined that the hills would not define me as a cyclist – no more bike pushing! So, the next year I trained and trained and when I rode up the toughest his on Salt Spring Island, I did a “Rocky Balboa” dance at the top. 

What are you looking forward to most about this year's ride?

I am pretty excited about riding around our own community and hopefully bringing more awareness to our local hospice and the resources they provide.  

Where do you find the strength and support leading up to and during the ride?

My husband Mike is my greatest supporter. He doesn’t ride, but he drives a support vehicle whenever I need it he and encourages me every step of the way. I am pretty sure I am a better wife now that I am healthier and getting regular exercise (lol). 

What is your fundraising goal?

My fundraising goal is to bring in as much as I can each year. This year I had an idea to build birdhouses. I approached another rider on the team and her husband, who is an accomplished carpenter. 51 bird houses were built, and my friend and I painted them and sold them. It was very successful for the two of us we raised about $2,000. We are hoping to make it an annual event. It was more challenging this year due to the pandemic, so it forces us to think outside of the box. Of course, I love crafting to it was one of the most rewarding fundraisers I have ever taken part in.   

Do you have any advice for first-time riders?

Stick with it. It may be challenging at first but the health and fitness benefits along with the comradery and feeling of accomplishment are worth all the trying times along the way.   

Click here to donate to Sandra's fundrasing goal!