A £35,000 cash tonic

A total 1,200 cyclists have raised at least £35,000 for charity.

The took part in last Sunday’s Pilgrims Hospice Cycle Challenge, which also covered the Ashford hospice at Hythe Road, Willesborough.

Riders had a choice of four distances, the longest being the Pilgrims Century, a 100-mile route also passing the charity’s two other hospices in Canterbury and Margate and going through the Dover and Deal area.

Local cyclists were joined by those coming from as far as Wiltshire, Manchester, Cumbria and South Yorkshire.

Robert Grew, Pilgrims event fundraiser, said; “We were really delighted to see so many of our regular cyclists along with many new Pilgrims supporters.

“We had more than 1,100 registrations in the lead-up to the big day and then to see so many more register on the day was brilliant.

“The money our cyclists raised will make a huge difference to the local people who need our services.

“We have already raised £35,000 from the registration fees of all these supporters.”

Riders were supported with motorbike marshals, regular refreshment stops, massages for aching muscles and bike maintenance.

Pilgrims Hospices’ next major fundraising event is the Divas on Wheels women-only cycle from the Freewheel pub and cycling cafe at Graveney near Faversham, on June 12.

The charity’s 10k Pyjama Walk around Ashford, starts from the Designer Outlet on June 25.

For further details visit www. pilgrimshospices.org

Picture: Paul Amos FM4321432 A group of early riders ready for the off

Brothers Andy and Neil Hoadley

Dave Young and Chris Henderson

FM4321418 Coleen Dunn and Nic Meadway set off

Jo and Geoff Dale

Mark Thomas and John Kearns of the Ashford Tri Club

Emilia Furlong and Jodie Ferris took part as part of their Duke of Edinburgh bronze challenge

FM4321435 Nick Barnes and Neil Murray check the routes