Pedalling fundraisers are set to ride 30 miles around the countryside surrounding Stevenage this Saturday to help support a hospice that serves all of North Herts.
Kerry Duggan, a chemotherapy nurse at Lister Hospital, has been organising the fundraising rides for 12 years, amassing thousands for great causes along the way – and this year she’s hoping to raise at least £4,000 for Letchworth-based Garden House Hospice Care.
“It’s amazing how it’s grown and grown,” said Kerry.
“It started off with just a few people from Graveley – which is where I live and was brought up – but now loads of people turn up just to raise the money for charity, people from Hitchin, Stevenage and all sorts. I’m just doing my bit.”
The 30-mile route starts at the George and Dragon pub in Graveley and takes in Stevenage, St Paul’s Walden, Knebworth, Datchworth, Watton-at-Stone, Benington, Walkern, Halls Green and Weston before heading back to Graveley.
Stevenage’s Max Taylor, 26, is doing the ride with his elder brother Jed, 30 – and the two Marriotts School old boys are looking forward to the big day.
“I’ve made friends with all of them down at the George and Dragon, and I think Garden House Hospice Care is just a really great charity, helping the elderly folks and that,” said Max.
“I’ll probably be there one day myself!
“I’ve been doing a lot more cycling recently – about 80 miles a week now.
“The organiser Kerry and the people at the George and Dragon have been so amazing. Kerry is putting in a huge amount of hours to make this a success and she is one of the most driven people I’ve ever met.
“The George and Dragon are so kind to host this event, and they are also working very hard in pushing awareness for the charity. It’s great seeing a local establishment being so productive for the community.
“Personally, I’m hoping to raise £250 in the next week – but whatever happens, I’m really looking forward to it.”
Registration for the ride is on the day, starting at 10.30am at the George and Dragon – entry costs £15 per person, which includes a free T-shirt, subject to availability. The ride itself will start at 11am.
The route is arrowed, and there are eight pub stops along the way before everyone returns to the George and Dragon at about 4pm, when a big after-party with live music, a raffle and more will begin.
Prizes in the raffle include a 30-minute ride in a two-seater gyrocopter, three months’ membership of Back on Track Fitness in Hitchin, and food and drink vouchers from each of the pubs along the route.
Walton Homes, Standon Electrical and Edd’s Bikes of Stevenage are sponsoring the event.
To find out more or to make a donation to the cause, see justgiving.com/fundraising/Kerry-Duggan2.
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