Peterborough residents urged to take on challenge to raise money for Thorpe Hall Hospice

With numerous marathons, runs and cycle events cancelled, Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice is searching for people who still want to complete a challenge in 2020 and get that finish line feeling.

Sue Ryder’s Virtual Summer Series is an opportunity for people to choose their own activity – from running and walking to cycling – and distance. They can complete their challenge in their own time, wherever they want, and help to raise vital funds for the charity.

Paul Robinson, from Peterborough, was due to take part in the Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 100 in August. When he found out it was cancelled, he decided to sign up for Sue Ryder’s Virtual Summer Series instead.

Paul, who works in IT and sales, will take on his own challenge of cycling 100 miles in a day on 16th August. He has devised a route from his home to Rushden Lakes in Northamptonshire, then to Rutland, and will cross the finish line back in Peterborough.

He is also planning a second cycle challenge of an 80 mile ride to Witham in Essex in September.

Paul is doing the challenges in memory of his brother-in-law, John Paul Montgomery, who received end of life care at Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice. Paul’s family also had bereavement support and counselling after John’s death.

“When RideLondon was cancelled, I wanted to have something to aim for locally,” said Paul.

“The Covid-19 pandemic has hit us all. I wanted to do something constructive and assist by fundraising for Sue Ryder. I have been spurred on by the feeling and buzz I got from competing in two big cycle events last year.

“Fundraising has given me a sense of purpose, shifting the mental stimulus from work to fitness and training. It has also given me a reason to spend time with my family; I’ve often dragged the kids out on their bikes!”

Paul aims to raise £250 through his cycling challenges to give something back for the care his family received from Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice.

“I will never forget the help and compassion Sue Ryder showed towards my wife Clare, John’s sister,” he added.

“After John died, I was clueless in my efforts to console my wife and my two step-daughters. Clare and I had only lived with each other for about 12 months when John fell ill, so for me there was a feeling of guilt, numbness, not feeling as close to the grief as everyone else.

“Sue Ryder helped guide Clare through grief and gave me the opportunity to be honest and not worry about feeling guilty. It was such a positive experience.”

Victoria Potter, Community Fundraiser at Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice, said: “We are thrilled to have Paul as part of our Team Incredible! We are really grateful for this support and wish him lots of luck with his cycling challenges.

“We are searching for people to join Paul and sign up for our Virtual Summer Series. If your run or cycle race has been cancelled this year, this is your opportunity to complete it virtually. Or perhaps you want to set yourself a new challenge. Do the distance in your own time, wherever you want, and get that finish line feeling.

“You will be helping to raise vital funds so we can be there when it matters for local families. For example, £100 could pay for nearly five hours of our expert care, helping people live the best life they can. Sign up today at www.sueryder.org/summerseries”

You can support Paul through JustGiving: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/thorpehallryder100

To find out more about the Virtual Summer Series, please visit www.sueryder.org/summerseries or contact the hospice’s fundraising team at [email protected] or 01733 225 999.