A charity cycle challenge for the region’s only adult hospice has raised over £100,000.
The sun came out for the 1,200 riders taking part in the Tour de Bristol sponsored bike ride on April 15.
Fundraisers set off from the Centre for Sport at UWE’s Frenchay campus riding distances of 40km, 65km and 100km through the Bristol and Gloucestershire countryside in aid of St Peter’s Hospice.
Some rode in teams while others went solo. One competitor, Jim Reynolds aged 90, was in a category of his own. The former PE teacher rode the race with his daughter Louise Vandyke, completing the 40km circuit in three hours and 15 minutes.
Riding in memory of his wife who received treatment from St Peter’s Hospice, Jim Reynolds said: “I don’t think there are many 90 year olds doing it. Two years ago I was the only person in the 80 – 90 year group but a young one – an 80 year old I think – came in last year, so then there were two. This year I’ve moved up a group so I’m now in the 90 – 100 age group so I’m hoping that there’s no one else there!”
The Tour de Bristol is now in its ninth year and has raised over £1 million in total for the hospice. It’s a magnificent sum that will help to provide vital funds for patient care during the most difficult of times.
David Brown, CEO of The Bristol Port Company, corporate sponsors of the Tour de Bristol, said: “Sadly, the hospice has been a huge friend and comfort to a number of our employees and dependents in their final days of life. Through supporting this event we can continue to fund the fabulous work that Hospice staff provide for the people of Bristol.”
St Peter’s Hospice director of fundraising and communications, Sarah Allen-Gunn said: “This year’s event was one of the best yet. We’re incredibly grateful to each and every one of the 1,200 participants who signed up to take on the challenge in aid of the hospice.
“They all fundraised incredibly hard to help us reach the £100k target. In the current cost of living crisis, when people have less to give, we have been overwhelmed by people’s support and generosity.”
Register your interest for the 2024 Tour de Bristol: tourdebristol.co.uk