Fundraisers at Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice say their first fundraising event post pandemic was ‘wheelie’ successful, after over 250 cyclists took to two wheels to raise an incredible £38,000 in this year’s Ride for Ryder.
Supported by 75 volunteers and sponsored by Allstone Speedy Skips, charity cyclists set off from Dean Close School in Cheltenham on Sunday 8th August to cover over 21,160km through the Cotswolds between them.
So far £38,000 has been raised for the hospice, helping its Sue Ryder Nurses, doctors and care teams to be there when it matters for local families, giving their expert and compassionate palliative care and bereavement support.
Matt Reay, Senior Community Fundraiser at the hospice said, “Although this was the 33rd year of our much loved charity cycling event, it was the first fundraising event for us after the outbreak of the pandemic so there was more riding on it than ever before.
“With the ongoing pandemic, we weren’t sure how many people would come out to support us, but we were absolutely thrilled over 250 cyclists joined us on the day.”
“Ride for Ryder means a lot to us, and it could not have taken place this year without sponsorship from our long term charity partners, Allstones Speedy Skips, and the unwavering support of our 75 volunteers – many of whom were volunteering with us again for the very first time post-pandemic outbreak.
“Standing beside the start line, cheering on our first wave of cyclists as they headed out was a really emotional moment for a lot of us – fundraisers, volunteers and returning riders.”
“The money raised will help us give people the expert care they need, so that their final days can be full of love.”
Thanks to event sponsorship from long term charity partner, Allstone Speedy Skips, all of the funds raised by participants at this year’s Ride for Ryder will help fund the expert and compassionate palliative care and bereavement support given by Sue Ryder.
CEO of Allstone Speedy Skips, Simon Ford, said, “We’re really proud to have sponsored this year’s Ride for Ryder event – it was a brilliant day with a real buzz about it. It was fantastic to see so many participants and local businesses get on their bikes in support of our much loved local hospice.
“A big well done to everyone involved in the ride, especially our Allstone Speedy Skips team of Robin, Richard and Levente who completed the 130km route.”
“Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice is there when it matters for so many families in our local community, so it was great to see so many people turn out and raise funds to be there for them. We were delighted to be sponsors and that so much has been raised to help support local families at a time they need it most.”
Charity cyclists with further donations to make can email: leckhampton.events@sueryder.org.
Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice’s next fundraising event, Starlight Hike – Cheltenham sponsored by Capita, takes place on 16th October at St Edward’s Preparatory School, Charlton Kings. A night time 10km walk through Cheltenham under the stars, registrations are open now at www.sueryder.org/hikecheltenham.
For information on other events in support of Sue Ryder visit sueryder.org/events.
