Last updated: June 8, 2021
Keen cyclists can help raise funds to care for people in Somerset by signing up for a popular hospice to hospice cycle ride this summer.
St Margaret’s Hospice Care’s Charity Cycle Ride is being held on Sunday, July 18 with a choice of routes starting and finishing at the Yeovil hospice.
The popular fundraising event will see participants tackle an easy 40-mile route from Yeovil to Taunton or an epic 80-mile circular route from Yeovil to Taunton and then back to Yeovil.
Entries are now open for the pedal-powered challenge, with places costing £25 for any distance. Participants are encouraged to raise sponsorship for St Margaret’s Hospice Care, which last year supported more than 5,000 people affected by life-limiting illnesses across Somerset.
By raising £100 in sponsorship each cyclist could pay for a Specialist Community Nurse to visit a patient at home.
This year’s event is once again being proudly sponsored by The Bicycle Chain and Clarke Willmott Solicitors. The event is open to riders aged 12 and over but anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Chris Thorne, head of Clarke Willmott’s Taunton office, said: “We are delighted to be able to support a cause as worthwhile as St Margaret’s, a charity that provides inspirational support to members of our local community.
“We’ve taken part in a number of initiatives to support the hospice, from sponsoring and entering a team in the previous cycle rides to helping out at the warehouse sorting donations so they could be delivered to stores and sold. The whole team really appreciate the work of St Margaret’s across the county and are always pleased to make a difference to patients and their families.”
Paul Kenchington, owner of The Bicycle Chain added: “As a local family-run business our aim is to support and grow cycling in Somerset no matter what level of riding from a child’s first bike to professional athletes. The role of St Margaret’s Hospice Care in our community is one we are very proud to support.
“The work St Margaret’s carry out helps so many families and we are very fortunate to have this facility on our doorsteps. Cycling through the beautiful Somerset countryside, supporting a great cause and riding with other like-minded cyclists will all add up to a truly memorable day.”
Cyclists will set off from the Yeovil hospice and most of the route is on quiet B-roads which will be marshalled for safety, and there will be on course mechanical support to help riders in case of punctures.
Refreshments will also be available before and after the ride, with a water station at the halfway points. The event will be Covid compliant and held in line with Government guidance.
For route details and to book your place on the Charity Cycle Ride visit click here.