Group cycling 1,000 miles to Scotland to raise urgent funds for St Helena Hospice
The 'Wrinkled Wheels' will cycle from Land's End to John o' Groats in September – about 1,000 miles by road.
The aim is to raise urgently needed funds for St Helena Hospice which is facing a financial crisis after government increases to the National Living Wage and National Insurance.
The hospice has received a recent £711,249 cash boost for buildings and technology, but hospice bosses say this does not help bridge the £1.1million increase in staff costs and £200,000 in non-pay costs.
Organiser Dave Chapman said: 'We all have personal connections with the hospice, and I would say four out of six of us have had connections with the hospice.
'For instance, my mother-in-law passed away last year, and she spent some time in the hospice.
"The people that work in the hospice are absolutely amazing, I think they are fantastic, and I don't know how they do it.
"Going forward as a community we all need to try to keep St Helena's for the community.'
Dave said the group is only just starting to train as inexperienced cyclists.
Last year the group successfully completed a marathon in aid of Make a Wish, and Dave is confident about the group's challenge this year.
They aim to complete the challenge within 10 days, which means covering about 100 miles a day.
In just one morning, the budding cyclists - who come from across north Essex - raised £1,000 on their online page.
The group has already raised money by hosting a clay pigeon shoot at George Wright Farms and sharing a stand with the St Helena Hospice at the Tendring Show.
Dave said the Dedham Vale Detectorists have also raised £6,000 to £6,500.
The group has a goal to raise £80,000 for the Hospice with an upcoming event being a sold-out dinner dance auction at the Talbooth Hotel in Dedham, with owner Paul Milsom donating a marquee free of charge.
Dave added: 'Please help us protect St Helena Hospice.
'Your support means everything.'
To donate visit https://gofund.me/997c6c89.
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