The much-loved Pilgrims Hospices Cycle Challenge will be celebrating its 10 year anniversary on Sunday 5 May 2019. Every year, the event attracts over 1,200 people to don their helmets to achieve personal targets and explore the beautiful Kent countryside while raising vital funds to support local end-of-life care.
Richard Davis, Pilgrims Hospices chairman and regular cyclist, has participated in every ride since the very first Cycle Challenge in 2010 and will take to the roads and lanes of east Kent once again this year.
It’s always a great pleasure to meet so many dedicated cyclists who are all making an amazing contribution to end-of-life care within our community; listening to their stories of what hospice care has meant to them and their loved ones.
Richard Davis, Chairman of the Board of Trustees
Richard said: “I’m looking forward to riding alongside everyone again this year. The Cycle Challenge is a huge highlight in the fundraising calendar for Pilgrims and by far the largest of our annual events. Cyclists of all abilities, young and old, take part from all across east Kent and from much further afield too.
“I’ve enjoyed so many great experiences over the years and will be riding the 45-mile route between Canterbury and the Ashford hospice this time around. It’s always a great pleasure to meet so many dedicated cyclists who are all making an amazing contribution to end-of-life care within our community; listening to their stories of what hospice care has meant to them and their loved ones. Whichever distance you choose to cycle, you will enjoy a well signed route, full event support, renowned food stops and the amazing camaraderie of fellow cyclists along the way.
“By taking part in the Cycle Challenge you will be making a real difference to the lives of thousands of local people living with an incurable illness. Every pedal turned and pound raised will go to supporting our patients; making them comfortable, alleviating pain and enabling them to make the most of the time they have. With your help we can continue to be there for the next family who needs us.”
Over the past decade, our wonderful community of cyclists has raised more than £825,000 for Pilgrims Hospices. Now, we need your help to make the 10th anniversary Cycle Challenge the biggest yet and reach our goal of £1 million raised for local end-of-life care.
If you or someone you know is coping with a life limiting illness and you think you may benefit from Pilgrims support, talk to your GP or Healthcare Professional about the options or click here to read about our Wellbeing and Social Programme.
Debenhams Ashford team pedal to Liverpool and beyond for Pilgrims
Debenhams Ashford are the first team to get on their bikes and ride as part of Pilgrims Hospices My 10, Any 10 challenge.
A team of 30 staff came together to support Pilgrims Hospices on Friday 5 and Saturday 6 April by getting on their bikes in the County Square store. The team surpassed their own plans, riding a virtual distance of 300 miles from Ashford to Liverpool as part of Pilgrims’ new My 10, Any 10 challenge.
The team of all ages and abilities took turns of 10-30 minutes each to cycle for over five hours in total on two static bikes. The cycling contingent had planned to cycle to Brighton and to do 10 miles or km at a time, but the miles kept coming and the tired legs kept pedalling, so the team decided their end would be Liverpool instead.
Pilgrims is very close to our hearts, a member of staff was cared for at the hospice in Ashford. As a store we chose to take part in the My 10, Any 10 challenge to help raise much needed funds for local hospice care.
Amanda Bancroft, My 10 event organiser at Debenhams
Amanda Bancroft, one of the organisers from Debenhams, said: “We have chosen to support Pilgrims as it is a charity very close to our hearts, after a member of staff was cared for at the hospice in Ashford. As a store we chose to take part in the My 10, Any 10 challenge to help raise much needed funds for local hospice care.
“We took on the challenge of cycling the distance from Ashford to Brighton in store over two days but had so much fun that we ended up cycling the distance to Liverpool instead! We would like to say a big thank you to all of our staff and customers who supported us over the weekend, helping to raise a fantastic £1,000.
“A special thank you to the Park Club Gym in Ashford for loaning the two bikes, Water Direct who kindly donated bottles of water and the Debenhams Beauty Houses for donating prizes for the raffle, including a voucher from Longacres.
“We had such fun and hope to continue raising money for the hospice in April.”
My 10, Any 10 is an inclusive challenge for people of all ages to set themselves the target of achieving 10 of something.
This may be 10 circuits of a school field, 10 miles on a bike, a 10-hour static cycle, a 10km swim completed over several sessions in a pool, or it could be doing something 10 times to celebrate 10 years of Pilgrims’ Cycle Challenge.
My 10, Any 10 participants can either raise sponsorship for their chosen 10 or ask people to pay to take part in a group activity. Every pound raised will go towards the care of people living with incurable illness, and their families, here in east Kent.
This May the Pilgrims Hospices Cycle Challenge reaches 10 years of pedal power for Pilgrims. By taking part in the My 10, Any 10 and the Cycle Challenge you will be making a real difference to the lives of thousands of local people living with an incurable illness. Every pedal turned and pound raised will help support our patients; making them comfortable, alleviating pain and enabling them to make the most of the time they have. With your help we can continue to be there for the next family who needs us.
If you or someone you know is coping with a life limiting illness and you think you may benefit from Pilgrims free services, talk to your GP or Healthcare Professional about your options or click here to read about our Wellbeing and Social Programme.
8th April 2019
Pro cyclist Alex Paton rallies cyclists for Pilgrims Hospices Cycle Challenge
Photograph: Hugh McManus
Professional cyclist Alex Paton (28) grew up in Dover and developed his love for cycling riding in east Kent as a young boy. Alex spoke to Pilgrims Hospices about his experiences and shared advice for cyclists ahead of the charity’s 10th anniversary Cycle Challenge event, which will take place on Sunday 5 May 2019.
How did you first get into cycling?
I first got into cycling after seeing a local cycling club’s Saturday practice sessions for kids; VC Deal is a large cycling club in south east Kent and is really the main reason I started cycling. Many of the skills I learnt there serve me well today as a professional cyclist.
What was it like growing up riding in east Kent?
It’s a great area, with a wide variety of terrain and quality roads. To also have a cycling racing track at Betteshanger Park is a real bonus.
Pilgrims cared for a member of my family many years ago. Events like this will enable their great services to continue and help others when they need it the most.
Alex Paton
What is it like being part of a professional team?
It’s brilliant. It takes a lot of hard work and commitment to be a professional athlete, but this is rewarded with experiences and a lifestyle that simply wouldn’t be possible in another profession.
Can you share some helpful tips for new cyclists?
For me, the most important thing is to always have fun. Sure, there are tough challenges with cycling, but there is always a great feeling afterwards. If working towards a cycling sportive or challenge like the Pilgrims Hospices ride, I’d suggest gradually building up towards the distance and time of your event. A little food and drink now and again will keep you fueled up and prepared for a fast finish.
Photograph: Hugh McManus
Photograph: Hugh McManus
Why should people get involved in the Pilgrims Hospices Cycle Challenge and support the care of people who are living with incurable illness?
The Cycle Challenge is a great way for likeminded people to get together and enjoy cycling, whilst also raising awareness of local hospice services and improving the support that can be offered for those who need vital care. Pilgrims cared for a member of my family many years ago. Events like this will enable their great services to continue and help others when they need it the most.
Kent’s biggest charity ride is celebrating its 10thanniversary. Get on your bike and join more than 1,200 cyclists of all abilities as you explore the beautiful Kent countryside with friends, family and colleagues.
Standard entry is £30 until Sunday 28 April 2019. Sign up today.
If you or someone you know is coping with a life limiting illness and you think you may benefit from Pilgrims free services, talk to your GP or Healthcare Professional about your options or click here to read about our Wellbeing and Social Programme.
31st May 2018
Kent Police make touching tribute to a colleague and donation to Pilgrims
Police officers across the Kent Police force took on Pilgrims Hospices Cycle Challenge on 6 May in tribute to and in memory of their colleague Leigh Harris, who passed away at the age of 37 years from cancer. Police colleagues both serving and retired raised more than £7,825 for Pilgrims.
Officer Dean Quinn presented the cheque to Cate Russell, Pilgrims Chief Executive, at the Ashford hospice. Dean said: “We are so pleased to hand over our donation; friends and colleagues have been very generous in supporting our Kent Blue Solidarity Ride. Leigh was a much-loved officer and sadly taken from us too soon.
Leigh was a much-loved officer and sadly taken from us too soon.
Dean
Since the presentation took place the officers have raised a further £900 and estimate they could reach a fundraising figure as high as £10,000 for Pilgrims. You can still make a donation on the team’s JustGiving page to help Dean and his colleagues achieve their goal.
Retired police offer, Mark Chambers, wrote a poem in memory of Leigh; it was a touching tribute and Pilgrims is pleased to share his special words.
Kent Blue Handlebar Ribbons
Some rode rich bikes all gold carbon fibre
Others rode steel frames worth just a fiver
Some full of aches needed pain-killing pills
Others found it easy; sprinting up hills
Some had done training; strong preparation
Others rode doggedly; sheer desperation
Some rode in lycra geared up for a race
Others in leisure-wear set novice pace
Some powered-on drinking soda and lime
Others used cider to soften each climb
A few sometimes wished they’d just caught the bus,
But rode for a brother – for one of us.
They rode to share in some real solidarity
All rode for the hospice, but we all rode for Leigh.
Kent Blue team who took part in Cycle Challenge 2018 in memory of PC Leigh Harris
Kate Duddell, Pilgrims Hospices Fundraising Manger, said: “It was a very poignant meeting with the officers. The poem was a wonderful tribute and the fundraising cheque will make an enormous contribution to the number of people we can support on our wards and within the community.”
It was a very poignant meeting with the officers. The poem was a wonderful tribute.
Kate Duddell, Pilgrims Hospices Fundraising Manager
If you or someone you know is coping with a life limiting illness and you think you may benefit from Pilgrims support, talk to your GP or Healthcare Professional about the options or read about our Wellbeing and Social Programme.
9th May 2018
Cyclists turn up the heat for Pilgrims Hospices
More than 1,200 cyclists took to the east Kent countryside on Spring bank holiday Sunday for Pilgrims Hospices annual Cycle Challenge. Early indications show this year’s event will raise more than £100,000 for vital hospice care.
The challenge is a firm favourite with regular cyclists and Pilgrims supporters. Teams of families, friends, cycle clubs, local businesses and services throughout Kent rode 45, 75 or 100-miles on the hottest early May bank holiday since the holiday was introduced in 1978.
All routes started from, and finished at, the Pilgrims event village at the University of Kent near Canterbury. Cyclists enjoyed browsing a variety of stalls; bike mechanics, sports massage, local cycling interest groups and refreshments were all on offer.
This year Lanmax brought along a truck for people to climb inside and get a bird’s-eye view of what a truck driver can see around them when on the road.
Simon Smith, a driver from Lanmx, said: “This is a great opportunity to share awareness with cyclists at all levels.
“As drivers, we all take awareness training to ensure we have cyclists’ safety in mind at all times. I’m here today with Sarah Brown from Hot Chilli Cycles who provide our awareness training and cycling instructor Chris Byrne, to share information with cyclists and supporters.
The first rider back was Giuseppe Chivilo from Ramsgate; he crossed the finish line at 10:46am with a ride time of 2 hours 54 minutes.
Giuseppe Chivilo receiving his Cycle Challenge medal
Bidfoodgenerously donated much of the food that cyclists enjoyed on the day. Bidfood representative, Tony Osborne, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be able to show our support in this way.
“Although Bidfood operate all over the UK, we’re very people oriented and like to give back to the community in any way we can by supporting local causes. Pilgrims makes a difference to so many people’s lives here in east Kent. We’re only too happy to be involved with the Cycle Challenge and enable even more of the money that’s raised to go directly towards the care of patients.”
Regular cyclist Ian Ashton, Pilgrims Hospices Catering Services Manager, said: “What a lovely day it was for a very good cause.
“I cycle with the Canterbury Bicycle Club and it was great to see such a large turnout from our club. This event grows year on year with such well-planned routes; it’s so well organised, which is why the club keeps coming back. It’s a must do in our club calendar.”
Ian Ashton
Each year, many people take part because they have a personal connection to Pilgrims.
Sean Purcell and daughter Jemma, from Whitstable, chose to ride the 45-mile route in appreciation of the care that Pilgrims is currently giving their family. Sean said, “It’s a great cause; Pilgrims is taking great care of my wife, Deborah, who is accessing Pilgrims services at the moment.”
Sean and Jemma Purcell
Sisters Chloe Stroud, Gemma Ledger and Hazel Newport, from Dover, also tackled the 45-mile route for the second year running. Their team – the Newport Flyers – rode in memory of their dad, George Newport, who was cared for at Pilgrims Hospice Canterbury in 2017. Chloe said, “Doing Cycle Challenge together is a way for us to give back to Pilgrims for what they did for Dad; riding with family and friends makes me realise how much Dad was loved.”
The Newport Flyers including sisters Chloe Stroud, Gemma Ledger and Hazel Newport
Team Red Lion, Bridge Lejog is a cycling team headed up by Rene Renault, the publican at the Red Lion Inn in Bridge near Canterbury. Rene was joined on the day by fellow team members Chris Pidcock and James Jackson, who all rode the 100-mile route in preparation for their main challenge in September – an epic cycle ride from Land’s End to John O’Groats in aid of Pilgrims Hospices. Chris’s wife, Tara Pidcock, will be be their support as a driver out on the route. The team have already raised £7.3k of their £10k target; their sponsors are Quinn Estates, MySuperfoods and Manor Wines. All team members have experienced family members cared for by Pilgrims.
Team Red Lion Bridge, Lejog
Robert Grew, Events Fundraiser at Pilgrims Hospices, told us: “It was unbelievable to see such a strong show of support for Pilgrims! 1,238 people joined us in the beautiful sunshine to take on this year’s Cycle Challenge. It’s a privilege to organise the event and, seeing it year after year, I’m always reminded how much of a team effort it is. Our band of volunteers are just outstanding, giving up their bank holiday weekend to help make the whole experience safe and enjoyable for our riders. I can’t thank them enough, nor the waves of cyclists who puff their way around the course in support each year – fingers crossed most of you conquered Stowting Hill! And lastly, a huge thank you to our business supporters who help the event to raise as much as possible towards our compassionate end-of-life care.”
Missed out on Cycle Challenge?
Divas on Wheels returns on Sunday 24 June 2018. Enjoy the picturesque Kent countryside, great fun and a supportive atmosphere, and be part of this ladies’ bike ride to help us be there for the next family who needs us.
Setting out from The Independent Pedaler in Bridge near Canterbury, you can choose to ride either a 25-mile or 50-mile route through the countryside on quiet roads. If you’re new to cycling have no fear, dozens of our special Bike Heroes will join you, leading small groups or offering roadside repairs to anyone who needs it. You can also visit The Independent Pedaler for a pre-ride safety check.
Together, you can make a difference as you take part in the county’s only ladies bike ride for charity.
If you or someone you know is coping with a life limiting illness and you think you may benefit from Pilgrims free services, talk to your GP or Healthcare Professional about your options or click here to read about our Wellbeing and Social Programme.
3rd April 2018
Team Ynez reunites for Pilgrims Hospices Cycle Challenge
Mark Button from Faversham will once again lead Team Ynez in Pilgrims Hospices Cycle Challenge on Sunday 6 May 2018, in memory of his wife, Ynez, who was cared for at Pilgrims Hospice Canterbury.
Mark will cycle 45 miles across east Kent in memory of his wife, Ynez, who spent five weeks at the Canterbury hospice last spring.
Ynez couldn’t speak more highly of Pilgrims staff, says Mark: “During those five weeks Ynez was cared for with genuine love and compassion, for which we will all be forever grateful.
“She had been through such a tough few weeks prior to that, so to be in a place where the aim was to make her feel comfortable and alleviate the severe pain she was in was all she wanted. The hospice also provided amazing support to me and other family and friends who were going through such an emotional and worrying time.”
Mark signed up for Cycle Challenge 2017 three weeks before Ynez passed away. Within two days he had raised more than £1,000. Mark said: “Ynez was very clear that we should give back to the hospice. She was so elated to know that the hospice would get some well deserved funds to continue their great work.”
It was amazing! We felt elated to complete the challenge in memory of Ynez, but also to ride it together, united in our support of the amazing work carried out by the hospice and the care they had provided to Ynez and so many others.
Mark
It wasn’t long before others joined Mark. With seven members signed up and in training, Team Ynez was born. Mark admits he has never been a serious cyclist, and neither have his team mates, but the atmosphere of last year’s ride gave them all a boost.
“It was amazing!” recalls Mark. “We felt elated to complete the challenge in memory of Ynez, but also to ride it together, united in our support of the amazing work carried out by the hospice and the care they had provided to Ynez and so many others.
“It gave me a real lift at what was still a very emotional time for us. Everyone had their own personal reasons for being there, but the feeling of togetherness and camaraderie was something I’d never experienced before.”
The 2018 team currently has nine members, including Mark’s identical twin brother, Chas, and his nephew, Ollie. The team is based in different parts of the country, but Mark is optimistic it will all come together on the day.
It gave me a real lift at what was still a very emotional time for us. Everyone had their own personal reasons for being there, but the feeling of togetherness and camaraderie was something I’d never experienced before.
Mark
“Having done it before I can honestly say I’m excited and certainly more relaxed than last year. It’s such a well organised event that allows people of differing fitness and ability to join in. That said, the word challenge very much applies, so preparation is vital. I intend to keep taking part as long as my legs will allow me to.”
Mark added: “The generosity shown by family and friends last year was overwhelming. I can’t expect that same level again this year, but as a team we are still determined to raise a significant amount of money.”
A big Pilgrims thank you, team Team Ynez – and good luck! To sponsor the team for their ride on Sunday 6 May, visit Mark’s Just Giving page.
If you or someone you know is coping with a life limiting illness and you think you may benefit from Pilgrims free services, talk to your GP or Healthcare Professional about your options or click here to read about our Wellbeing and Social Programme.
