CYCLISTS turned out in force this morning for the annual bike ride in aid of a North-East hospice.
The Big Butterwick Bike Ride took place over a picturesque 26-mile route, starting and finishing at the Elm Tree Social Club in Stockton.
Over the past 15 years, the event has raised more than £100,000 for the Butterwick Hospice.
This year’s riders included Derek Walker, of Thornaby, who was taking part in the event in memory of his daughter Claire, who died of cancer, aged 29, in July 2017.
Derek said: “The family also did the Coast To Coast Bike Ride over 140 miles and it’s payback to the hospice because Claire had such wonderful care there.”
Another family were riding in memory of Rose Fellows, who died two years ago, and her husband Mike said: “The Butterwick looked after my wife so well – they were absolutely fantastic. Without them, I don’t know what I would have done.”
The ride is organised each year by Brian Hutchinson, whose sister Christine spent her last two weeks in the hospice.
Brian said: “It’s another great turnout and we just wanted to keep it going for as long as possible. A big thank you to Elm Tree Social Club for having us again for the start and finish.”
The Butterwick’s Chair of Trustrees, Judith Hunter, added: “It’s a magnificent turnout and wonderful to see so many people supporting the Butterwick on a Sunday morning.”