The award-winning Pilgrims Hospices Cycle Challenge is back on Sunday 1 May 2022
Get on your bike to explore the beautiful and varied countryside of east Kent alongside friends, family and cyclists of all abilities. Whether you’re a new orseasoned cyclist, the sense of achievement will be the same – going the extra mile and knowing you’ve made a difference for Pilgrims Hospices and the people we care for. With over £1 million raised since 2010, the Cycle Challenge is a firm favourite and we look forward to you riding with us this year!
Eight colleagues from Faversham-based design company, Ideaworks, will be testing their pedal power by taking on the challenge to raise funds for local hospice care. Doug Wood, Design Director, told us, “Pilgrims is a well-respected and much-loved local charity; we are very proud to fundraise on their behalf. My wife’s nan and also a best friend have both received care at the Canterbury hospice; I know from this personal experience how important the charity is to our local community.
“We are raising money to help the charity to continue providing end-of-life care for all those who need help in east Kent. We opened a team JustGivingpage and have received almost £750 of sponsorship to date, so a huge thank you to everyone who has kindly donated to support our team’s efforts on behalf of Pilgrims Hospices.
“Our team is made up from colleagues working across the county. We’re working remotely, therefore we’ve been training in our own locations but looking forward to some team rides in the run up to the event. Some of us are more polished cyclists than others, with some more occasional riders, although we are all very committed to completing either the 100 or 125 miles on the day.”
Pilgrims is a well-respected and much-loved local charity; we are very proud to fundraise on their behalf
Doug Wood – Ideaworks
Doug explained: “We have ridden in a Brands Hatch Cyclothon in the past, and we’re ready to go, kitted out with our Team Ideaworks cycle jerseys, please look out for us!”
If you would like to support the Ideaworks team with their fundraising for Pilgrims Hospices, you can donate here.
Robert Grew, Events Manager at Pilgrims Hospices said: “It’s fantastic to see teams of friends, family and colleagues such as Ideaworks jumping on their bikes to take on the Cycle Challenge in support of hospice care. Their support is so important to the care we’re able to provide our patients. The Cycle Challenge is well-loved by our community and we’re delighted that over 50% of event places have been filled already!”
If you’d like to be one of 1,000 cyclists taking part in Kent’s biggest charity bike ride, you can register here.
Ride it your way by choosing one of five ride distances and routes, 30 – 50 – 75 – 100 or 125 miles with all routes starting from, and finish at, the Pilgrims event village at theUniversity of Kentnear Canterbury.
Each year, Pilgrims Hospices provide care and comfort to thousands of people in east Kent who are coming to terms with an illness that sadly cannot be cured. The charity support patients to live life as well as possible until the very end, free from pain and distress.
14th March 2022
Natasha’s Cycle Challenge for Pilgrims Hospices in memory of mum, Karen
Natasha Parker from Sittingbourne was just 17-years-old when her mum, Karen Parker from Chartham, was referred to Pilgrims Hospice Canterbury for specialist end-of-life care.
Karen
To give back and say thank you for the support Karen and her family received, Natasha has so far raised more than £1,300 for Pilgrims Hospices through taking on challenges and via Facebook birthday fundraisers. Next up, she and her fiancee, Stefan Montandon, will ride the 50-mile route at Pilgrims Hospices Cycle Challengeon Sunday 1 May 2022.
Natasha remembers how Pilgrims lovingly cared for her family when Karen was approaching the end of her life. She said: “My mum was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia in 2011. She came to the Canterbury hospice the following year, and passed away there on 10 October 2012.
“She wasn’t in the hospice for very long, but the care she and our family received whilst there was second to none. Everyone was so kind and lovely through the most difficult time of my life. I was only 17 at the time; to have people around who cared so much made a huge difference.”
Inspired by her experience of Pilgrims, Natasha has chosen to support the local charity ever since so that others can continue to benefit from its vital, compassionate care.
She added: “I completed two Shock Absorber triathlons in 2015 and 2018 at Dorney Lake, Eton. I also completed the Pilgrims Way Challenge from Canterbury to Dover in 2020 and 2021; I definitely recommend this! This year, I’m doing the 50-milePilgrims Hospices Cycle Challenge on Sunday 1 May.
“I’ve also done some general fundraising using the Facebook birthday donations function. I will continue to raise money for Pilgrims in the future by taking part in more events.”
Natasha with her mum, Karen
Natasha is supported in her fundraising by family and friends, particularly Stefan, who takes part in events with her.
She said: “Pilgrims is a cause very close to my heart; they offer somewhere to go when there is really nowhere else. They do such an amazing job of looking after people in their last days, and their families, too.
“Through fundraising, I hope to help ensure that Pilgrims can continue to make the worst moments of people’s lives that little bit more bearable, like they did for me.”
Each year, Pilgrims Hospices give care and comfort to thousands of people in east Kent who are coming to terms with an illness that sadly cannot be cured. The charity support patients to live life as well as possible until the very end, free from pain and distress.
2nd March 2022
Pro cyclist Ian Field shares top tips for Pilgrims Hospices Cycle Challenge
After a successful career as a professional cyclist, being 5x British CycloCross Champion and 6x British Series Winner, Ian Field set up ‘Veld Coaching by Ian Field’ to bring together 15 years of racing knowledge and experience in the hope of helping other riders to achieve their goals, too.
After witnessing the exceptional care that his partner’s family members received from Pilgrims Hospices when under their care, Ian wanted to use his cycling expertise to support those taking on the Pilgrims Hospices Cycle Challenge on Sunday 1 May 2022.
Ian Field
We sat down to chat with Ian to find out more about his love for cycling in Kent, and his top tips for those training for Pilgrims Hospices Cycle Challenge:
How did you get into cycling?
“I got into cycling through a friend at school. We went to The Norton Knatchbull School in Ashford, and we started a Cyclocross team together. I really enjoyed riding my bike already, so the idea of being able to race as a career really appealed to me.”
What do you enjoy most about cycling in Kent?
“I have lived in a few different countries, and all over the UK, but I always find myself back in Kent and I love riding my bike here. You have the flat of the Kent weald, the hills of the North Downs and the beautiful coastal routes to choose from. There is a maze of lanes off of the main roads to get lost in, there is something for every kind of cyclist. Every route is picturesque in its own way.”
Why should someone take part in the Pilgrims Hospices Cycle Challenge?
“The Cycle Challenge is a great day out, no matter what route you choose to do! It is a really scenic route and once out of Canterbury, you soon join quiet lanes. Be prepared for some climbing, but for every metre climbed there is a descent to enjoy. The regular food stops keep you going, as well as plenty of encouragement from other riders out on the road.”
What is your advice for anyone taking part in the Cycle Challenge?
My top tips for those taking part in Cycle Challenge would be:
Preparation is key, make sure you’re fuelling your body correctly during training and on the day of the event.
Don’t try anything different on the day, use your training effectively.
During your training, find the most comfortable clothing so that you know you’ll be comfortable in on day, whether you’re doing the 30 or 125-mile route.
Train in all weather conditions so that nothing comes as a surprise on the day.
Try different paces in your training and work out the pace that works best for you, that you can keep up throughout your ride.
Most importantly, don’t forget why you’re riding, and enjoy yourself!
What is your advice on nutrition and fuelling yourself to complete the Pilgrims Hospices Cycle Challenge?
“The key to nutrition and fuelling on the bike is to eat and drink little and often. Keeping things simple in regards to food and drink will also help the body to digest easier. Ideally, you want to start eating and drinking in the first 30 minutes of the ride and continue throughout.”
What clothing advice would you give to someone taking on the Pilgrims Hospices Cycle Challenge?
“I’d recommend that cyclists ride in something that they’ve ridden in before, and that they find comfortable for the correct temperature of the day. If you have some, padded shorts are ideal for a challenge such as this, as they’ll make the ride that bit more comfortable.”
What would you advise someone to carry with them on the day?
If I were taking part in Pilgrims Hospices Cycle Challenge on Sunday 1 May, I would carry with me:
At least one water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the ride.
My favourite cycling snacks.
A spare tube, which is the correct size for the bike I’m riding that day.
A hand pump with tyre levers, just in case of a puncture.
Ian said: “Being in the cycling world for many years, I have seen the number of people who have taken up cycling off the back of the Pilgrims Hospices Cycle Challenge. I am really keen to support this event as it brings the cycling community together, while raising vital funds for end-of-life care in east Kent.”
If you’re looking for a helping hand with your training for the Pilgrims Hospices Cycle Challenge on Sunday 1 May, Ian has kindly put together a training plan to guide you to reaching the finish line!
You can find out more about ‘Veld Coaching by Ian Field’ at veldcoaching.com.
To find out how you can join the Pilgrims Hospices Cycle Challenge on Sunday 1 May 2022, please visit: pilgrimscyclechallenge.org
Each year, Pilgrims Hospices give care and comfort to over 2,500 people in east Kent who are coming to terms with an illness that sadly cannot be cured. The charity support patients to live life as well as possible until the very end, free from pain and distress.
21st October 2021
Paul and Alfie go the distance for local hospice care
On Sunday 22 August 2021, Paul Maxted and his son, Alfie, from Ashford cycled 50 miles around east Kent, raising more than £700 for local hospice care.
They wanted to support Pilgrims Hospices after the charity cared for two family members – Paul’s dad, Robert (Bob) John Maxted, and his father-in-law, Roger (Rog) Thomas Bent.
It has been an emotionally challenging year for the family; Bob passed away aged 69 years on 27 June 2021, and Rog died shortly after, aged 74, on 18 July 2021.
Robert (Bob) Maxted
Paul said: “Following long battles with terminal illnesses, we lost my father to cancer and Rog to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) within three weeks of each other; it was devastating, to say the least. The most painful part was watching them both succumb to these terrible illnesses as my wife and I provided care and support. We were lucky to have two such wonderful, loving and inspirational role models in our lives, and we gain some comfort in knowing we carry them in our hearts and thoughts for eternity.
“Pilgrims cared for my dad and Rog both on the hospice ward and at home at the end of their lives. They were superb, providing equipment, personal care and support to them and our family. The staff showed real empathy and understanding; they were never too busy to take a call or give us time to understand what was happening, all the way until the end.”
Roger (Rog) Bent
To give back and say thank you, Paul and his son Alfie decided to take on the Pilgrims Hospices Cycle Challenge to ensure that other families continue to benefit from local hospice care.
Paul added: “I’m a keen footballer and runner but cycling isn’t my choice of activity! So this was a real challenge for me (and my rear end). I’m so grateful for the support we’ve received from family and friends; any donation, no matter how big or small, is hugely appreciated.
“Pilgrims made a very sad time easier for both my dad and Rog during their battles, giving us as a family a small piece of comfort knowing that they did not suffer. We want to support Pilgrims so that more people can receive the level of empathy and care we did, both now and in the future.”
You can still sponsor Paul and Alfie now that they have completed their challenge by visiting their JustGiving page.
Inspired to get on your bike and fundraise for Pilgrims?
Cycle Challenge returns on Sunday 1 May 2022; register your interest today:
Each year Pilgrims Hospices give care and comfort to over 2,500 people in east Kent who are coming to terms with an illness that sadly cannot be cured. The charity support patients to live life as well as possible until the very end, free from pain and distress.
26th August 2021
Charity Cycle Challenge raises £1 millionth pound for Pilgrims Hospices
Hundreds of brave cyclists took to the lanes and hills of east Kent on Sunday 22 August despite some challenging weather conditions across the county. Their heroic efforts were in support of Pilgrims Hospices, who care for more than 2,500 people each year living with an incurable illness.
Kent Event Marshals with cyclist Eleanor Keel
The Cycle Challenge, known as Kent’s biggest bike ride, has been held annually since 2010 and is a favourite among cyclists of all abilities. Riders took on five possible routes from 30 miles up to a leg-testing 125 miles, all starting from the event HQ at the University of Kent, Canterbury.
This year’s sell-out event returned after a 2020 hiatus and cyclists were determined to show their support regardless of some unseasonable rain affecting portions of the day.
Event Manager, Robert Grew, told us, “I’m blown away by the incredible efforts of our cyclists, many of whom turn out year after year to support the ride. From early estimations, this year’s ride has raised in excess of £95,000 for hospice care, and sponsorship will be coming in for several weeks to come. This means that we have reached the astonishing milestone of the Cycle Challenge having raised £1 million for hospice care since the very first ride back in 2010!
“I’m immensely proud of everyone involved in making the event such a safe and enjoyable day. From the fantastic signage volunteers, to the enthusiasm at our rest stops. I’d especially like to thank the local cycle mechanics who supported at rest stops and Kent Event Marshals who had a busy day providing roadside assistance to cyclists from the first to the very last rider. Not to forget our amazing cyclists themselves!”
Participants collectively cycled over 43,000 miles on Sunday, which is equivalent to riding from London to India more than seven times!
Judy Tsai and Steve Ball from Herne Bay have raised £3,500 in sponsorship. Steve said: “We had a fantastic day and it’s great to see the Cycle Challenge back again. We are both very proud to support Pilgrims Hospices, and wish to thank everyone who kindly donated, especially Judy’s family in Thailand who have been very generous in helping us to achieve this brilliant total.”
Judy Tsai and Steve Ball
Pilgrims Hospices has been providing skilled and compassionate end-of-life care for the people of east Kent for over 35 years. From their inpatient units in Canterbury, Ashford and Thanet, and in patient’s own homes, they support people living with incurable illness to live well; making them comfortable, alleviating pain and enabling them to make the most of the time they have. With just 20% of funding coming from the NHS, the charity relies on the generosity of the local community to continue being there for the families who need them.
Barretts of Canterbury have been a long-term sponsor of the event, and the business’s CEO, Paul Barrett, was instrumental in the ride’s early years. A keen cyclist himself, he told us, “It’s a real privilege to be part of such a well organised event. I honestly can’t think of another cycling event that comes close to the Pilgrims Cycle Challenge. It’s so polished.
“The signage and catering are always excellent and the smiles that greet you at every stop keep you going throughout the day.”
Avid cyclists won’t have to wait too long for next year’s event.
The Pilgrims Cycle Challenge will be returning to its usual time of year on Sunday 1 May 2022.
Each year Pilgrims Hospices give care and comfort to over 2,500 people in east Kent who are coming to terms with an illness that sadly cannot be cured. The charity support patients to live life as well as possible until the very end, free from pain and distress.
13th August 2020
Paul’s 100 mile pedal for a purpose!
On Thursday 6th August cycling enthusiast and dedicated long term Pilgrims Hospices supporter Paul Kelly, cycled 100 miles for Pilgrims Hospices. Paul, who likes a little adventure, and is a 73 year old retired Marine Engineer, decided that after the unfortunate cancellation of Pilgrims Cycle Challenge that he would utilise his lockdown training over the last few months and get back in the saddle on his own carefully thought out 100 mile route.
Paul planned his own ‘feed stations’, including one at his home at Whitfield near Dover. Not only did Paul cycle 100 miles, but he also did it on one of the hottest days of the year! Purely a coincidence, Paul also chose to complete the challenge on #CycleToWork day, which this year was changed to Cycle to Who? What? Where? Day because of the pandemic.
We would like to thank all those who have supported Paul in raising an impressive £1,700
Kate Duddell, Fundraising Manager
Paul explained: “My wife and I did our first Pilgrims Cycle Challenge on the 50 mile route to Margate, when this route was changed I tried the 75 mile challenge. Of course, I then had to attempt the 100 challenge the next year and the year after, regrettably the 125 epic would be too much for me as I wouldn’t get back in time for my medal!”
“This year having stated training in March for the postponed May event, I kept in shape for the new event due to take place on 23rd August. I seriously doubted early on that cancellation of the event was a real possibility so I planned my own 100 mile challenge roughly based on the Pilgrims route which I completed on 6th August”.
“One of my reasons for supporting Pilgrims Hospices is for the fantastic treatment my father-in-law was given in the Canterbury hospice where he passed away with motor neurone. Our family were so relieved to see how his last days were made as comfortable as possible, we cannot thank you enough.”
Fuelled largely by flapjack to counter the 6,000 calorie burn, the 73-year-old left Canterbury East train station at 7.45am. Stowting Hill and the climb out of Shepherdswell near Dover were the biggest spikes on his Fitbit and the heatwave added to his challenge. Paul finished the circular course at 4.15pm, at his finish line he was greeted with surprise smiles, cheers and a balloon arch held up by the little members of his family.
Paul has raised an incredible £1,700 for local hospice care and has more to gather in.
Fundraising Manager, Kate Duddell said: “We would like to thank all those who have supported Paul in raising an impressive £1,700 for end of life care in east Kent. The amount raised for hospice care is so valuable and will allow us to provide the best possible support to families who need us. Every £25 would pay for an hour of nursing care. The funds raised by Paul and his loved ones are vital to the work Pilgrims Hospices does across east Kent and is continuing to do so during the pandemic.”
Paul was aiming for this to be his last Pilgrims Cycle Challenge, however he loves a challenge, and a little adventure and may be tempted to join the new 30 mile route in 2021. For this year, and now he has completed his own pedalling challenge for Pilgrims, he is looking forward to becoming a grandad for the first time and walking his daughter down the aisle this September.
You can still support Paul and his 100 mile achievement by donating to his JustGiving page.
Each year Pilgrims Hospices give care and comfort to over 2,500 people in east Kent who are coming to terms with an illness that sadly cannot be cured. The charity support patients to live life as well as possible until the very end, free from pain and distress.
