A cyclist is set to pedal the length of Great Britain to raise funds for the hospice which cared for his wife in 2010.
Roger Petheram, 69, from Worcester, is set to leave Land’s End, Cornwall, on Saturday, September 4. He aims to arrive in John O’Groats, Scotland, 26 days – and more than 900 miles – later on Thursday, September 30.
Mr Petheram hopes to raise £5,400 for St Richard’s Hospice, which cared for his first wife, Victoria, before she died of cancer aged 54.
“It is one of those lifetime challenges where you can make a difference,” said Mr Petheram, who is an activities co-ordinator at a Worcestershire care home.
“I think it honours the memory of Victoria. It is an epic ride, and it will be an achievement. I’m quite excited really!”
The former lecturer aims to cycle between 40 and 50 miles a day, with one day off to rest each week.
“Just before lockdown, I thought I need to get fit – so I bought a bike,” he explained. “In 18 months, I’ve gone from being out-of-breath to being able to cycle across the Malvern Hills.”
He will be supported through the challenge by a friend, whose wife was also cared for by St Richard’s Hospice.
“I am raising money for St Richard’s Hospice because my wife, the wife of my support team partner, and friends have been cared for exceptionally well in their last days by the hospice, to the highest of standards,” said Mr Petheram.
“At this time, the charity needs all the funding it can raise to enable it to continue with its wonderful work.”
Ria Simons, Fundraiser at St Richard’s Hospice, said: “Roger’s story is truly inspiring, and we are very grateful to him for taking on such a tough challenge in support of our care.
“It is only with the support of people like Roger, raising funds for St Richard’s, that we can continue to be there for patients and their loved ones when they need us most.
“We will be cheering Roger on from here in Worcestershire, and wish him all the best for his epic cycle ride!”
To support Mr Petheram, and St Richard’s Hospice, donate via his JustGiving page: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/roger-petheram.
St Richard’s Hospice cares for adults with a serious progressive illness, improving their quality of life from diagnosis, during treatment and to their last days. It also supports their loved ones.
Each year the hospice team supports more than 2,900 patients, family members and bereaved people in Worcestershire.
St Richard’s is an independent charity and relies on donations and gifts in Wills for the majority of its income with the remainder funded by the NHS.
For more information about St Richard’s Hospice visit www.strichards.org.uk.
