DERBYSHIRE: Cyclists and volunteers urged to join heroic challenge

Devoted hospice supporters are making an impassioned plea for cyclists and volunteers to join their Peak District challenge on Sunday, July 28, and help bring peace to seriously ill patients facing life-threatening illnesses.
NDET 22-7-12 BWJ 5 Derbyshire Times Cycle.NDET 22-7-12 BWJ 5 Derbyshire Times Cycle.
NDET 22-7-12 BWJ 5 Derbyshire Times Cycle.

More than 100 intrepid fundraisers are already set to reach new heights as they battle some of the Peak’s toughest hills in this year’s Derbyshire Times and Pelican Cycles Flagg Cycle Challenge for Ashgate Hospice.

And it’s not too late for others to join them by signing on during the day of the event which rolls out tomorrow morning, Sunday, July 28, to support the Chesterfield-based charity.

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DT reporter Jon Cooper is urging as many as possible to volunteer their help or join him and others on either the 50 mile trek or the 10 mile fun ride.

He said: “To truly recognise what the hospice gives for seriously ill relatives, loved ones, friends and acquaintances and their families is hugely humbling and puts our lives and our minor problems into perspective.

“Those much less fortunate than ourselves who are being treated and cared for at the hospice would dearly love the freedom to join us in the Peak District. By getting out in the hills in their spirit will empower every rider to overcome the toughest challenges and give everyone that extra strength to push through to the end.

“Riders will be given a send-off and welcome home fit for a hero from the very place where life’s real super-heroes are working so hard every day to bring peace and dignity to patients. Cyclists will also be riding among people whose relatives and friends are being cared for by the hospice or who have lost loved ones.

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“Getting out there among some of the country’s most breath-taking scenery will bring a guaranteed sense of achievement and well-being. So c’mon! Revive the Olympic spirit. Dust down the old bike, get it oiled up and roll out with rest of us on what is destined to be a great day of emotional, sporting endeavour and camaraderie.”

Volunteers are urged to gather at the hospice, on Ashgate Road, Old Brampton, Chesterfield S42 7JD, from 8am, and cyclists are all urged to sign on from 8.30am for a 9.30am depart.

This year’s Derbyshire Times and Pelican Cycles Flagg Challenge also ties in with the DT’s 25in25 Appeal to raise £25,000 for the hospice in its 25th anniversary year.

Entrance costs £20 on the day and includes a map and refreshments and on return a goody bag, soup and a roll.

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The ride starts from Ashgate Hospice, Chesterfield, and goes through Cutthorpe to the Peak District’s Baslow, on to Ashford-in-the-Water and takes in Sheldon, Flagg and Monyash, Birchover and Stanton-in-the-Peak before coming back in via Edensor and Chatsworth. For any details call Jon Cooper on 01246 504524 / 0780 350 5731.