A very special fundraiser
Many of us have taken part in various fundraising rides. It’s a highly satisfying way to do good while enjoying the camaraderie of fellow cyclists. In July self-described “novice Nomads” Rob Barker and Paddy Amerio represented our club with distinction in a charity bike ride across the southwest of England in aid of Southwest Children’s Hospices (SCH), who provide incredible end-of-life care for young people and essential support for their families during unbelievably difficult times.
Along with about 100 riders, Rob and Paddy completed the 218 mile route from Bristol to St. Austell over three days. Their course led them across the Somerset levels, through Cheddar Gorge, Dartmoor, Exmoor finally winding down from north to south Cornwall. A great route on mostly quiet country roads, up lovely inclines to great vistas, on off-road trails such as the Camel and Tarka and over some of Cornwall’s not-so-kind steep hills.
We have all experienced the pleasant ambience of fundraising cycle rides, with people feeling motivated and united for a good cause. However, this one was something different. The ride visited each of the three hospices supported by the charity where the riders met the families of children having passed away in hospice who shared their very emotional accounts of how the charity continues to support families in their bereavement.
People all along the way, seeing the charity’s logo, would stop and clap for the riders, such is the charity’s mission known and revered in the southwest. Entire villages turned out to offer homemade cakes and pastries. They were even treated to a concert of sea shanties by a local choir!
Like most U.K. charities SCH relies almost entirely on donations to fund its work. The entrance fee of £300 and a £1250 minimum amount to raise by each rider certainly helps, but it is staggering to realise that it costs nearly £16 M annually to run the charity.
An incredibly worthy cause, a great ride with some lovely people across some of Britain’s most beautiful terrain. What could be nicer?
