Cyclists’ Sizzling Cycle Trip To Paris Raises £14,000 For Hospice Funds

Nearly three dozen cyclists from an Ashford club battled through the hottest day ever in France en route for Paris – and raised around £14,000 for Princess Alice Hospice.

Members of the Ocean Cycling club left the UK on Thursday last week, ending up in Paris Saturday afternoon – travelling during a record-breaking heatwave with temperatures hitting the 40s centigrade.

What started in 2015 as a small group of friends cycling to Paris for charity has mushroomed into the club’s biggest annual event – 303 miles from Esher to Paris in three days.

Ocean Cycling – set up by four dads keen on competing in various sports – now has many more members, 34 of whom saddled up for the trip to French capital.

One of the founder members, Matt Pegg, said he and the other original members – Gary Biddle, Mick Doig and Kevin Taylor – met when their children were at school and they started doing triathlons after a light-hearted challenge was thrown down.

The training and competing in triathlons became too time-consuming so the friends decided to concentrate on cycling. The inspiration to fundraise for the Hospice came via Matt’s wife Kathryn, who works there as a clinical administrator. Her mum Mary Gray had been cared for by the Hospice before she died 20 years ago.

More recently, Gary’s Dad Ronnie was cared for by the Hospice – and Gary rides with his Dad’s name on his cycling top.

This year’s endeavour saw the team accompanied by a back-up operation including motorcycle outrider and support vehicles taking care of medical and mechanical needs as well as refreshments.

“We also had the whole event filmed, to use for promotion as well as a memento for those taking part,” said Matt.

Fundraising this time round looks set to break the £60,000 target over the five years. The team’s Justgiving page shows how each member had fared with their individual appeals.

Hearing of the team’s triumph this week, Princess Alice Hospice, Community Partnerships and Events lead Claire Woodward said: “This has become a much-anticipated annual event here at the Hospice; it was really inspiring and exciting to see the Ocean team set off.

“Their tenacity and sheer hard work to finish the challenge is astonishing. We really appreciate their unwavering support and immense generosity.

“Their contributions to our fundraising appeals each year go a long way towards enabling us to deliver outstanding care across the community as well as here at Esher.”

Charity Cyclists’ Sights Set On Paris – News, 27 June 2019

Nearly three dozen cyclists from an Ashford club are setting their sights on Paris this weekend – aiming to raise at least £12,000 for Princess Alice Hospice.

What started in 2015 as a small group of friends cycling to Paris for charity has mushroomed into the club’s biggest annual event – 303 miles from Esher to Paris in three days.

Ocean Cycling – set up by four dads keen on competing in various sports – now has many more members, 34 of whom saddled up this morning (Thursday June 27) headed for the French capital.

One of the founder members, Matt Pegg, said he and the other original members – Gary Biddle, Mick Doig and Kevin Taylor – met when their children were at school and they started doing triathlons after a light-hearted challenge was thrown down.

The training and competing in triathlons became too time-consuming so the friends decided to concentrate on cycling. The inspiration to fundraise for the Hospice came via Matt’s wife Kathryn, who works there as a clinical administrator. Her mum Mary Gray had been cared for by the Hospice before she died 20 years ago.

More recently, Gary’s Dad Ronnie was cared for by the Hospice – and Gary rides with his Dad’s name on his cycling top.

This year’s endeavour sees the team accompanied by a back-up operation including motorcycle outrider and support vehicles taking care of medical and mechanical needs as well as refreshments.

“We’re also having the whole event filmed, to use for promotion as well as a memento for those taking part,” said Matt.

Fundraising this time round looks set to break the £60,000 target over the five years. The team’s Justgiving page shows how each member is faring with their individual appeals.

Waving off the team as they left Princess Alice Hospice this morning, Community Partnerships and Events lead Claire Woodward said: “This has become a much-anticipated annual event here at the Hospice; it’s really inspiring and exciting to see the Ocean team set off. We wish them the very best of luck and give thanks for their unwavering support and immense generosity.

“Their contributions to our fundraising appeals each year go a long way towards enabling us to deliver outstanding care across the community as well as here at Esher.”

*The original team name – Ocean Tri – was inspired by an Indian restaurant on Staines Road West, Ashford, next door to where the team get cycling and nutrition supplies, LKY7. The combined mileage covered by the team on this trip would take you to India and back.