A Weston Hospicecare fundraiser will cycle the 30-mile route of the Wedmore 40:30 on 16 June in support of the charity.
The Wedmore 40:30 is a charity cycle ride which starts and finishes at Wedmore Playing Fields and offers routes of 12, 30, 40 or a 70 miles through the scenic Somerset countryside.
Now in its second year, the event offers challenging route options for seasoned cyclists, as well as family-friendly distances suitable for novices and even children.
Proceeds from the event will be used to support both Weston Hospicecare and the Friends of St Mary’s Church in Wedmore.
Trust fundraiser Anita Wiegel-Lloyd (pictured right) took part in the first Wedmore 40:30 last year and plans to return in June.
She experienced the support of the hospice before and after her husband died, and has since gone on to join the hospice’s fundraising team at Jackson-Barstow House in Uphill.
Anita, who is Dutch and left Holland 21 years ago to make the UK her forever home, says like many people from her home country, cycling is a big part of her life.
She says: “If I can utilise my love of cycling to support our beautiful hospice, I will do.
“I personally experienced the hospice’s amazing work when my husband needed end-of-life care nearly four years ago. They were there for us and they did such a wonderful job.
“They gave my husband his dignity back and more importantly helped make him smile and laugh out loud again.
“After he passed away, they continued to support me for which I am still so very grateful.”
Anita cycled alongside a friend last year and says she is looking forward to taking part again in an event she had warm words for.
She continued: “The atmosphere was amazing and the event was so well organised.
“The organisers were extremely helpful when I had a puncture halfway through and the scenery en-route was breath-taking.
“In May, I am taking part in the 100km Women Versus Cancer Ride The Night in London so I will be well prepared for the Wedmore 30-mile route on 16 June.
“And of course the very tasty homemade cakes at the finish line will definitely keep me going!”
The hospice must raise 80% of its funding each year through retail, donations and fundraising events.
Anita says: “I have worked as a trust fundraiser at the hospice for a little over a year and everyday I see what the charity means to people across North Somerset.
“The hospice provides free expert and compassionate care to anyone with a life-limiting illness in the North Somerset area. This includes Weston, Clevedon, Congresbury, Yatton, Cheddar and through to Burnham and Highbridge.
“We rely on the support from our community to help raise money to support the annual costs of the hospice. With the help of the community we can continue to add quality to life where, sadly, days sometimes cannot be added anymore.”So far, more than 40 riders have signed up to take part in the Wedmore 40:30 on Father’s Day. For more information about the event and how to sign up, visit www.wedmore4030.wixsite.com/home.