Funeral directors get on two wheels for cycle challenge in aid of exotic pet refuge

A team of colleagues from a funeral home in Bourne are teaming up with local care homes again to pedal their way to help abandoned pets of a more unusual kind.
By Andy Hubbert
Published 13th Sep 2020, 08:35 BST
Funeral Director Samantha Hampson will be among those getting on their bikes to raise cash for the exotic pets refuge. EMN-201109-114233001Funeral Director Samantha Hampson will be among those getting on their bikes to raise cash for the exotic pets refuge. EMN-201109-114233001
Funeral Director Samantha Hampson will be among those getting on their bikes to raise cash for the exotic pets refuge. EMN-201109-114233001

RJ Scholes Funeral Services, in Wherrys Lane, are joining forces with The Cedars and Woodgrange care homes as they attempt the 31-mile socially-distanced cycling challenge route for the Exotic Pet Refuge in Deeping St James.

Funeral Director Samantha Hampson and Funeral Service Assistants Ben Smith, Dave Fawcett and Terry Dewey from RJ Scholes, part of Central England Co-operative Funeralcare are all taking on the challenge.

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Samantha said that she and her colleagues were delighted to join with staff from local care homes again, as they have a great relationship and are always looking for ways to fundraise together for charities.

She said: “This is the fourth annual ride and it is a great way to work with local care homes and get out into the community and support good causes.”

Dave, Terry, and Ben are keen cyclists and each year volunteer to organise the ride with Cedars, including working out routes and making sure they are safe and provide the right level of challenge for all involved.

The bike ride will take place on Saturday, September 26 when the team will complete a circular route of 31 miles setting off from The Cedars Nursing Home in Bourne.

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The route will cover the local towns and villages in the area served by RJ Scholes and the care homes.

The team is hoping to raise a minimum of £500 this year which will go towards the care of the animals and the upkeep of the centre.

People who would like to show their support can see the 25-strong group at The Bull pub in Market Deeping, The Bertie Arms in Uffington and the Sugarmill in Bourne.

Samantha said: “Last year we raised money for the Butterfield Centre in Bourne which provides vital day care facilities to older residents in the area.

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“This year we decided to raise funds for The Exotic Pet Refuge as it is run by volunteers who care for up to 300 birds, mammals and reptiles that will live out the rest of their lives there. They rely on donations often generated on open days which it has not been possible to hold during the pandemic.

“It is hoped that, once it is safe to do so, the Exotic Pet Refuge can visit the care homes with some animals for the residents to see.”

Anyone who would like to support the team can call the funeral home on 01778 394687 to arrange for their donation to be collected.

More information about the Exotic Pet Refuge can be found at https://www.exoticpetrefuge.org.uk/

Related topics:Bourne