Weston Hospicecare’s chief executive Paul Winspear will be one of six riders taking part in the Ride London-Surrey 100 cycle ride next weekend in aid of the hospice.
Paul will be joined by Shane Binding from Worle will take on the challenge as an individual and so will Phil Dickinson from Shipham, Ian Keane from Blagdon, Ken Clarke from Weare and Nick Siangolis from Hutton who will ride as a group.
Last year more than 100,000 cyclists completed the route raising more than £12.5million for charities across the UK.
Paul says it gives him great pleasure to represent the hospice at such a popular fundraising event and makes him appreciate his health.
He said: “Serving an organisation that cares for very unwell people really does bring home to me every day just how fortunate I am to be healthy and well.
“Weston Hospicecare isn’t a sad place, although we encounter a lot of sadness and distress, because we’re determined to bring peace, relief and even joy to those who are suffering – both our patients and their loved ones.
“We should celebrate life and live it as fully as we can. That’s why I’m pushing myself to take part in the Ride London-Surrey 100 miles cycle event because I’m lucky enough to have the health and fitness to do it, something that no doubt many of our patients would give anything to be able to do.”
Paul has made use of his surroundings to train for the ride, often using routes through the Somerset Levels, Cheddar Gorge and Blagdon Lake to prepare for the ride.
He continued: “It will be tough I have no doubt, but I will be sure to enjoy the experience, I will embrace the pain, and I’m grateful for all the supporters who have kindly sponsored me to raise vital funds so that we can keep doing what we do best – caring for those in need.”
Paul will start the ride at 7.32am on Sunday 29 July at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in East London where riders will head west through Central London before riding as far west as Abinger Hammer before the return leg to the Mall in Westminster.
Every year the hospice receives a fifth of its funding from the NHS meaning the rest must be raised through other avenues such as fundraising events, retail or donations.
To support all riders representing the hospice next weekend or to wish them luck for their challenge, you can visit their fundraising pages and leave a message or donation.
For Paul’s fundraising page click here, to support Shane click here and for Nick’s, Ian’s, Ken’s and Phil’s fundraising page click here.