The new boss of St Giles Hospice saddled up to join other participants in the charity’s annual Cycle Spring fundraiser.
The event took place yesterday (8th May) with riders taking on the 77-mile challenge.
Among the cyclists hitting the road were interim CEO Andrew Harkness and chair of the board of trustees Robin Vickers.
Andrew said the ride was the perfect way to meet staff, volunteers and supporters at the Whittington-based charity.
“St Giles is a wonderful organisation and I’m honoured and delighted to have taken part in Cycle Spring in my new role as its CEO.
“Our cycling events play a huge part in raising the funds that St Giles needs to support its care services and as soon as I joined the hospice I wanted to join in and play my part.
“Cycle Spring attracts hundreds of riders from across the region and I’d like to thank everyone who attended this year’s event. Its continuing success is down to the fantastic goodwill of our wonderful supporters and our dedicated hospice volunteers who turn out to help make sure that our events run like clockwork.
“I thoroughly enjoyed my ride through the beautiful Staffordshire countryside and the community spirit of everyone involved was truly inspiring – I’m looking forward to taking part in more fundraising events over the coming months.”
Andrew Harkness, St Giles Hospice
More than 500 riders took part in courses from 27 through to 77 miles, all starting and finishing at the Whittington hospice.
Zoe Wright, events manager at St Giles Hospice, said:
“Cycle Spring had a fantastic atmosphere this year and it was great to see our new CEO getting involved.
“We were also heartened to watch everyone getting back in the saddle after having to cancel our events in 2020 and make changes in 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“As usual, we couldn’t have done it without the expert help of Freedom Cycles, Rugeley Bicycle Repairs and BikeBOT who helped our riders to deal with any last-minute mechanical issues.”
Zoe Wright, St Giles Hospice
This year’s Cycle Spring has so far raised almost £35,000 for St Giles Hospice.
The next fundraising ride will be the Cycle Autumn event.