Posted on the 2nd of June 2009
Angela Nye, aged 51 from East Malling was joined by a number of riders of all ages on Saturday to cycle a total of 200km in remembrance of her father, Roy Fairway. The route circled Kent, passing numerous beautiful gardens along the way and is aiming to raise around £7,000 for The Heart of Kent Hospice, half of which has already been secured.
Angela’s father was a keen and devoted gardener so the route, which began at 6.30am in Aylesford at The Heart of Kent Hospice, took the cyclists to some of Angela’s father’s favourite gardens, including Stoneacre Gardens, Brogdale, Sissinghurst Gardens, Hadlow Garden academy, Ightam Mote and Great Comb before heading back to the Hospice at 8.20pm.
During training for the event, Angela took a bad fall from her bike, resulting in five stitches to her chin, a black eye and five hours spent in A&E, but refused to let this stop her in her aim of raising funds.
If you would like to help raise money for the Hospice but don’t fancy cycling 200km then why not join in ‘Pedal for Pounds’ - a fun bike ride for all the family to take part in on Sunday 14th June, taking you through picturesque Kent villages and finishing with a well deserved BBQ, all in aid of The Heart of Kent Hospice.
Bike Week 2009 runs from 13th to 21st June encouraging people to get more out of life by cycling locally, so this bike ride is an ideal way to get involved in the UK’s largest mass participation cycling event.
Starting and ending at Sutton Valence School, the route is 25 miles and takes in some of Kent’s finest villages, including Headcorn, Smarden, Pluckley and Charing Heath with well-earned refreshments along the way. It is open to all ages, but under 16’s must be accompanied by an adult.
Fundraiser Stephanie Fuller says; “It is a great way for people to get out and enjoy the Kent countryside whilst getting fit and having some fun. It is a good route for someone who would like to work towards something for their fitness goal and also for all of those who have bikes in the garage that never see the light of day. So get on your bikes and join us!”
There has been huge interest already so to secure your place on the bike ride, register now. The entry fee is just £10 for the 25 mile challenge, with bikers urged to gain sponsorship for the Hospice. There is also a smaller two mile route for little ones and those that want to take part, but cannot manage the full 25 miles. For the smaller two mile route, entry is £5 for adults and £2 for children. Each cyclist will receive a medal for completing the course.
Three neighbours from Harrietsham who walked the Bluebell Walk have been inspired to take part in the 25-mile bike ride and have already registered for a place; David Ford, Jim Smith and Jodi Eeles are regular supporters of the Hospice events.
There is still time to get a sponsorship form, to receive yours please contact Stephanie Fuller on 01622 790195 or email (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
This week is National Volunteers’ Week’s 25th anniversary and the Hospice would like to thank all of their volunteers for their help and support over the years and invite anyone who would like to become part of the Hospice’s volunteers team to call 01622-790195.
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Notes to Editor
Photo attached: Everyone involved in the bike ride; riders and supporters. More photos available on request.
The Heart of Kent hospice is the local hospice caring for seriously ill people and their families from Maidstone, Aylesford and surrounding area. The Hospice is a specialist palliative care unit whose purpose is to provide expert care and support for patients with advanced cancer, motor neurone disease, or other life- threatening illnesses where curative treatment is no longer possible. At any one time the hospice cares for approximately 350 patients through its range of services, including In-Patients Unit, Day Therapy, Family Services and Community Services.
Care and support is also given to families of the patients, including their children. Hospice care is free to those who need it, and this year £3 million is required to cover running costs, and with only 29% generated from statuary funding we continue to be heavily dependant on the generosity of our local community.
Press Contact:
Emilie Cross
Pillory Barn Creative
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01622 684407
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