After returning to cycling during the pandemic following a break of many years, Professor Andrew Livingstone spotted an advert for the annual cycling event and decided to take on the challenge. When it came to choosing a cause to support, Willow Burn Hospice was the obvious choice.
Andrew is currently supporting a collaborative research project with Willow Burn Hospice through a staff-led Collaborative Doctoral Award funded by the UKRI Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) Northern Bridge Consortium. The fully funded PhD studentship is being delivered in partnership with Willow Burn Hospice and explores the impact of creative practice in hospice care.
The project titled 'Creative Health: Exploring the role of creative practice in supporting wellbeing of families, carers and staff in hospice care' began in February 2025 and will run until 2029.
Professor Livingstone serves as Director of Studies on the project, working alongside co-supervisor Professor Yitka Graham and external supervisor David Barker MBE, Chief Executive Officer of Willow Burn Hospice. PhD researcher Tommy Anderson joined the project in February and is leading the doctoral research.
To support both the hospice and the ongoing partnership, Andrew used the Sunderland Big Bike Ride as an opportunity to raise additional funds through JustGiving.
Speaking about his participation, Andrew said: "After many years away from cycling, I took it up again during the pandemic. When I saw the advert for the Sunderland Big Bike Ride, I thought, 'I'll give it a go'. Supporting Willow Burn Hospice immediately came to mind, given the fantastic work they do and our ongoing research collaboration."
Donations can still be made through Andrew's fundraising page: https://www.justgiving.com/page/andrew-livingstone-1
The fundraising effort highlights the strong relationship between the University and Willow Burn Hospice, combining research, community engagement and charitable support to improve the wellbeing of patients, families, carers and staff involved in hospice care.
