Fundraising cyclists saddled up to raise thousands

Climbing into the saddle has led to more than £8,000 being raised for a good cause.

Some 174 riders pulled on their helmets and used their pedal power for St Nicholas Hospice Care on Sunday, July 14, when they took part in the charity’s cycle challenge The Edge.

So far the total raised from the event stands at £8,000, but that figure could go up as sponsorship from riders continues to come in.

Bury St Edmunds couple, Maggie and Paul Kirk saddled up and cycled 60 miles in memory of their friend and neighbour Steff Evans, who sadly died of cancer this year.

Their determination which, saw them cycle four hours and 18 minutes and raise £777, was inspired by Steff, a hospice supporter who touched many people’s lives with her compassion, kindness and determination to help others.

Maggie said: “Thank you to everyone who sponsored us to take part in the ride. I think Steff had sorted the weather out for us beforehand, because it was perfect cycling weather.  She was also in my thoughts when I cycled up the first steep hill and when I got to the top I knew she would have felt the ride was a good thing. It was a great event and people were very friendly along the way. The halfway stop for free bananas and cereal bars was appreciated.”

The event sponsored by Vindis Skoda Bury St Edmunds, saw cyclists tackle either 30, 60 or 100 miles and started and finished at Maglia Rosso cycling café in Hawstead, who were the event’s partners.

The funds raised from The Edge will help the hospice continue its work across the community supporting those facing dying, death and grief.

Lizzie Cross, the hospice’s events fundraiser, said: “Thank you to all of the cyclists who took part in this year’s Edge cycle ride. This is the third time the hospice has held this event and it really has gone from strength to strength. I am thrilled with the result and it was so great to see so many people out around the countryside raising money for the hospice.

“We are also grateful to all of our wonderful volunteers who gave their time on the day, and our event sponsors, Bury St Edmunds Skoda and Maglia Rosso for their support.”

For more information on fundraising challenges in aid of the hospice visit: https://stnicholashospice.org.uk/event_categories/challenge/

Pictured above are cyclists taking part in The Edge cycle ride setting off.