When it comes to using pedal power to clock up pounds for charity, a group of fitness-mad ‘spinners’ could tell you a thing or two!
The 21-strong group completed a 160 mile cycle, from Matfen Hall to Richmond and back again over two days in July – and have raised an incredible £2,600 for Tynedale Hospice at Home.
The group, the majority of whom are regulars at Matfen Hall Leisure Club’s spinning classes, were supported by fellow spinners Val Thornton and Angela Watson who stepped off their bikes to drive the support van carrying valuable supplies including food, drink and the all-important puncture repair kit.
Bob Bell, from Hexham, one of the organisers of the fundraising cycle, said: “Thankfully the bike ride went without any mechanical hitches and we didn’t get one puncture which was incredible given the terrain and the distance. We are also lucky with the weather which, after days of horrendous rain the previous week, dried up and remained fine the whole time we were cycling.
“The journey was quite challenging in parts. One of the highlights was the view from top of Yad Moss on the highest B road in England with a view down the whole length of Teesdale, which then led to a wonderful free wheel ride downhill for 25 miles into Barnard Castle. To feel the sun on your face and the wind behind you whilst cycling in some of the most beautiful countryside in the country is wonderful.
“On Day Two, the team had to deal with a serious cross-wind which added to the challenge at the top of steep hills.”
Fellow spinner Cliff Thornton, from Ovington, who helped Bob organise the bike ride, added: “It was wonderful that so many people took part and there was a great team spirit amongst us all. Some of the group hadn’t much experience of road cycling but they really grew in confidence over the two days and enjoyed the challenge.”
The group set a fundraising target of £1,000 but were overwhelmed at the final total.
Bob continued: “We are delighted with this amazing total and would like to thank everyone who sponsored us and supported us along the way. We would especially like to thank the Hedley Denton Charitable Trust who matched our original fundraising target with an amazing £1,000 donation.
“It’s the second year in a row that we’ve supported Tynedale Hospice at Home through a charity cycle ride. We chose to support the Hospice again because it’s the chosen ‘Charity of the Year’ at Matfen Hall, but also, because some of the group, including myself, have experienced cancer and we know what a lifeline the hospice offers to people and their families who have experience of terminal or life-limiting illnesses.”
All funds raised will support the work of Tynedale Hospice at Home which provides palliative nursing care to people in their own homes, Family Support Services and a Hospital Transport Service to people living in Tynedale, West Northumberland, Ponteland and the surrounding areas.
Laura Elliott, fundraising manager for Tynedale Hospice at Home, said “We are so grateful for this wonderful donation. The group are a real inspiration taking on this challenge. We provide support to around 430 people a year who need our services and every penny raised will make a real difference to the lives of local people and their families.”
Bernard Bloodworth, General Manager of Matfen Hall, said: “We are delighted to be supporting the hospice as our charity of the year which does such incredible work to help those in need of support, in our local area.
“We are really lucky to have such dedicated leisure club members and staff who will take time out of their busy lives to support us and the charity.”