The Vibe Tribe

Paul ‘Spin’ Spencer

A Group of Friends Stomp for Spin

It was on those heady nights out, partying in Manchester, when a youthful Paul ‘Spin’ Spencer formed some of his strongest friendships.

Spin had cemented his tribe, a big network of friends, spread across the Bury area, some who have been with him since his primary school days, and others through his teen years, right up till now.

For more than three decades, Spin’s close circle of friends have shared the best of times, holidaying together and now growing families together.

These are the friends who appreciate his obsession with Bury FC, who love his loyalty, his infectious laugh, his big heart, his ability to spread happiness, and his way of always bringing the vibe to the party.

Got the vibe

These are the friends who are rallying around Spin as he bravely battles terminal cancer; supporting his family by providing care seven-days-a-week.

The squad has been preparing meals, doing laundry, picking out wheelchairs, taking Spin to appointments and trips to the seaside, watching football, and just chatting and holding his hand.

Out and about

A group of twelve friends are now taking part in the Bury Six Trek, a scintillating walking challenge that sees participants visit six astounding landmarks dotted across the borough.

The group, aptly called ‘The Vibe Tribe’ (formed of friends, Krissy Dooley, Melanie Griffin, Craig Griffin, Caroline Grime, Chris Collings, Ric Daniels, Rick Eckersley, Colette Carney, Daniel Anderson, Matt Sharples, Alex Parkinson, and Michelle Lawton), decided on doing the trek after Spin came into Bury Hospice for respite care.

Trekker, Caroline Grime, said: “The staff were friendly and dedicated to ensuring Spin’s happiness and comfort, with no rules on visiting, a calm room, comfy bed, and a decent telly for sport.”

“Knowing the peace that Bury Hospice brought Spin, deciding on doing the trek was a no brainer, despite our very varied fitness levels.”

Friends forever

The Vibe Tribe is putting the miles in for the trek (which visits two waterfalls, two towers, and two wells) because they are committed to collectively supporting Bury Hospice, Spin, and his family.

Craig Griffin, said: “We have complete faith we will see each other through to the end; we all know we can accomplish anything with the support of one another, and of course we have a very important cause to raise money for – that helps us focus.”

“We look forward to celebrating together afterwards – we have always been well trained for that, and we hope Spin will be well enough to join us too.”

Drinks with pals

Right now, feelings of heartbreak and helplessness are at the surface of the friendship group, as each person has their good and bad days, struggling with, but getting through, Spin’s terminal illness.

The Bury Six Trek marks a good opportunity for the friends to “do something positive, feel productive, and raise money for a good cause,” said Krissy Dooley.

The Vibe Tribe trekkers are a varied bunch, with some having previously taken part in marathons, and others pushing the limits of their endurance for the first time on the Bury Six Trek.

The long-distance walk covers 21 miles, over a period of eleven hours, and includes roughly 932 metres of climbing.

The trekkers are hoping to raise £5,000 via generous donations, as they stomp for Spin. They aim to complete in good time and will have friends cheering them on along the way, and at the finish line.

In this together

The group of friends are blown away by the contributions they’ve received so far. Their initial target of £1,350 has been smashed, and they hope to achieve the £5,000 fundraising mark.

Krissy said: “Spin has been behind us, drumming up support and he has made a contribution himself. He’s keen to see us reach £5,000 in recognition of the amazing support he has received from Bury Hospice.”

“His attitude through all of this has been incredible; he’s trying to remain calm and positive, living one day at a time.”

Bury Six Trek, Saturday 28^th September.

Trek through Bury and visit six fantastic landmarks: Lumb Bridge Waterfall, Waugh’s Well, Edenfield Waterfall, Robin Hood’s Well, Peel Tower, and Grants Tower.

Head here to sign up: https://www.buryhospice.org.uk/events/take-on-the-bury-six-trek

To support the Vibe Tribe and pledge a donation, please head here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/stomp-for-spin