The fabulous Wedmore 40/30 charity cycle returns this weekend on Sunday. A charity cycle which offers a 70, 40, 30 and 12 mile route to riders. It begins and finishes at the Post and Wicket in Wedmore with routes heading north and south in a figure of eight.
Riders will tackle the iconic Cheddar Gorge, enjoy the views at Chew Valley Lake and meander through the beautiful Somerset levels.
It’s a firm favourite with Weston Hospicecare’s Chief Executive, Paul Winspear, too. He says “Cheddar Gorge is the highlight, as one of the most iconic climbs in the UK. I love it. It’s very well organised by David, John, David and team. It’s for a fabulous cause too.”
Paul is no stranger to taking on fundraising activities in support of the cause which he has been CEO of since February 2017. With five Wedmore 40/30s, a RideLondon 100 and a Bantam Swoosh swim under his belt, he hopes to inspire others to get fundraising for Weston Hospicecare.
Paul continues ““The buzz at the start of the Wedmore 40/30 is great. I’ve done the full 70 miles, just the front 40, just the back 30 and last year I cycled the 12 mile family cycle with my daughter, aged 11.
“There is a 4 mile warm up from Wedmore to Cheddar and the it’s into the Gorge and a climb onto the top of the Mendips to around 1000ft altitude. The lakes are beautiful, and the views over the Somerset Levels as one descends off the saddle of the Mendips towards Wells are break-taking. It’s a really great route!”
Paul’s role means he sees first-hand how crucial fundraising by Weston Hospicecare supporters is. He continues “As I see every month, each contribution to our fundraising income is valuable and I’m pleased to have been able to contribute directly.
“I like to try to set an example for others to get up and going and participate in events too! The hospice Fundraising Team are brilliant, so encouraging and there’s no pressure to raise a certain amount, every little bit helps.
“I’d encourage anyone thinking about taking part in a challenge event to go for it.”
It costs £5.5million each year to run the hospice with just 20% of funding coming from the government.
Care given is done so free of charge. This means the hospice relies on its incredible supporters and volunteers to fund the remaining 80%.
Find out more about how you can get signed up for the Wedmore 40/30 and involved in other ways to support the hospice via westonhospicecare.org.uk.
Online registrations for Wedmore 40/30 close at midnight on Thursday 7 September however participants are welcome to sign up on the day and join the 100s already taking part.
Register online by clicking here.