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Round and Round for Ride for Ryder

19 November 2007

Local cyclist Bridget Ward rode forty-four times around The Park and raised over £1000 in sponsorship support for Sue Ryder Care – Leckhampton Court Hospice!

Bridget, from Charlton Kings, had pre-registered for the charity’s annual ‘Ride for Ryder’ cycle ride earlier this year but couldn’t take part after flooding led to the event’s cancellation.

The 59-year old decided she would arrange her own 35-mile route and continue her original intention to raise as much as she could in memory of her brother Ian who was cared for by expert Sue Ryder Care staff twelve months ago.

She identified a circuit around The Park of 0.8 miles and (cheered on by her son Craig and friends and colleagues from Charlton Kings Club & Institute) rode 44 laps, making up the total 35-mile distance. On being presented with £100 voucher from Matthew Field, Director of event sponsor Roylan Cycles, Bridget said: “I was very disappointed when Ride for Ryder was cancelled as I really wanted to support the work of the Hospice because staff were so wonderful when my brother was with them. So I agreed to go the distance and raise the money anyway! My thanks go to everyone who supported me with my challenge.”

Jo Partridge, Area Fundraising Manager for Sue Ryder Care, said: “We need to raise over a million pounds each year from local donations to support services including our in-patient unit, day therapy centre and hospice at home. The commitment of Bridget – and others like her – is wonderful. Our thanks must also go to Roylan Cycles for their continued support; I’m sure Bridget will enjoy spending her voucher, and we look forward to seeing her riding the normal route next year!”

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