[A] group of fundraisers will be cycling more than 170 miles from Morecambe to Bridlington to help the care, support and activities provided at a local charity.
On Saturday 1 July Jeremy May will be joined by his dad and family friends as they cycle across the Way of the Roses Coast to Coast Cycle Route. The scenic challenge will be special for the group as they raise money in aid of Jigsaw, Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice and Eden Valley Hospice.
Jeremy explains, “Jigsaw and Eden Valley Hospice are charities I have been aware of for many years. I have previously supported them through the Penrith Town Band supporting the Light Up a Life services at Penrith Methodist Church. I also have friends who have used the support of these charities through some terrible family crises.
“This year at Center Parcs, Whinfell Forest we as a workforce have been committing to raise as much funding as possible for these worthwhile charities. I had already done some of the planning for this C2C ride and therefore it looked like an achievable challenge to take sponsorship for.”
Until June 2018 staff and guests at Center Parcs villages across the UK will be raising money to support 54 children’s hospices across the country, including Jigsaw, as part of a partnership with Together for Short Lives.
Jeremy continued, “Between my dad, my friends and I we have completed a good number of long distance rides and have looked for another that we could tackle.
“The decision to take on this particular Coast to Coast, Morecambe to Bridlington, was taken on behalf of my dad. This year he was diagnosed with Parkinsons after suffering various symptoms for some time. My dad has always wanted to completed this C2C as he has done the others and therefore we decided that this needed to happen this summer whilst his health and fitness are strong.
“This route is very challenging covering 170 miles with plenty of long climbs, but we are travelling light, with my mum driving as a support meeting us at each evening stop with our baggage.”
The scenic cycling challenge will take the group of family and friends through Lancaster, Settle, Ripon and York as they head from the west to east coast. They will pass castles and cathedrals as they make their way through the beautiful countryside of Lancashire and Yorkshire.
Jeremy added, “I am looking forward to spending time with my Dad and good friends, as with a busy family and work life this is always a challenge.
“I am also really looking forward to the ride itself as a combination of the exercise, views and a number of days away from the norm are very relaxing. I would recommend to anyone that they tackle a long distance ride over a number of days as it gives you a great sense of freedom from the modern world as it’s just you and a bike.
“The part of the ride I am least looking forward to is the long steep hills on the course, however this won’t dampen the mood. I am also hoping for good weather for the first weeks of July, so fingers crossed for us please.”
The money raised by Jeremy, his Dad and friends will help Jigsaw and Eden Valley Hospice to provide the highest standards of care, support and activities to children and adults with life limiting illnesses. This care and compassion is extended to all of the patients’ families, friends and carers. If you would like to sponsor the group of fundraisers please visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/jeremy-may
Year on year it costs Jigsaw and Eden Valley Hospice £3.7million to provide care, support and activities to local people with life limiting illnesses. Approximately 28% of the funding is received from the NHS with the remaining £2.7million raised by the kindness, support and generosity of the local community.
If you would like to take part in your very own cycling challenge in aid of Jigsaw and Eden Valley Hospice registration is now open for this year’s Cycle the Solway. The annual fundraising event will take place on Sunday 23 July with four routes available, 100, 50, 20 and 10km.
For more information about this year’s event please visit www.edenvalleyhospice.org or contact the Fundraising Team on 01228 817613.
