Kent Sport participates in Pilgrims Hospice cycle ride

On a bright Sunday morning in early May several Kent Sport staff members braced themselves for several hours in the saddle completing one or more legs of the Pilgrims Hospice Cycle Challenge.  The event has grown since its initial inauguration with some 300 riders, to one of the biggest and best charity cycle events in the South East with over 1400 cyclists.  The event is unique in that riders can choose their starting point as well as their ride distance to suit their fitness or challenge level.  This year the options were a 48 mile, 78 mile or a 100 mile loop between the three Pilgrims Hospices in Kent at Ashford, Canterbury and Margate.

Health, Fitness and Performance Manager Oli Prior selected the 78 mile loop between his home town Hospice in Ashford to Margate and back to Ashford via Canterbury. He also opted for fancy dress in light of the date being ‘Star Wars Day’ (May the Fourth be with you) and rode with the support of Yoda on his back and a lightsaber in hand, he had this to say after a sore 6.5 hours in the saddle: “What a great ride! The Pilgrims team have done a smashing job mapping out a lovely route through Kent whilst the support at all three Hospices has been great with free teas, coffees, flapjacks and massages to keep everyone going. On the road the atmosphere is brilliant amongst all the different riders and with the sun on our backs most of the way round it has been a great way to spend a Sunday morning.”

Vicky Annis, Kent Sport’s physiotherapist, also participated and said, “It was great to see so many cyclists of varying abilities come together for one cause. It was a great challenge and a really enjoyable event.”

Kent Sport Assistant Director Ben Trott who has supported several events on behalf of the Pilgrims Hospices commented: “Pilgrims Hospices in Kent have a close affinity to so many people in the area and the growth and success of the event is testament to the fantastic staff and volunteers at Pilgrims Hospices. I would congratulate all that took part in the cycle challenge with a special mention to Pilgrims Hospice staff and volunteers – role on 2015!”

Once again the Pilgrims Hospice proved to be a great local event that was supported by many, which is critical to raising funds for this organisation. For more information on future events or ways to support the Pilgrims Hospices please visit www.pilgrimshospices.org.