A CITY cyclist is set to follow in the footsteps of Olympians to raise plenty for St Richard’s Hospice.
Chris Wilds will take part in The Prudential Ride London-Surrey event in August which follows a 100-mile route made famous by the London 2012 Olympics.
The 42-year-old land surveyor will be supported along the route by cycling team mate Stephen Breakwell, a trainer at Nuffield Health Fitness & Wellbeing Centre.
He has only been road cycling for the last 18 months after losing nearly eight stone doing spinning classes.
Mr Wilds said St Richard’s was a cause particularly close to his heart.
“My family has been affected by cancer over the last couple of years and I’ve started to appreciate how important support networks are for all those affected,” he said.
“My partner’s father was cared for by St Richard’s Hospice for a short time before his death in 2013, and the care he received was second to none.
“So when Stephen suggested riding the Prudential Ride last year in aid of the hospice, it seemed like a perfect idea to help the local charity to care for other families in similar situations.
“This year, I am taking part in the event again and I wanted to take the opportunity to continue my fund-raising for the hospice in memory of my partner’s father.”
The route starts in London’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and works its way through the Surrey countryside before finishing on The Mall back in London.
Jodi Brandwood, community fund-raiser at St Richard’s Hospice, added: “The event is now in its third year and has proved incredibly popular with cyclists.
“St Richard’s secured five Gold Bond places this year. Four places have now been taken, but one place is still available for a keen cyclist looking to take part in this Olympic legacy event and raise vital funds to help us care for patients at the end of their lives.
“We are very grateful to our St Richard’s cyclists and wish them well with their training and on the big day!”
Log onto www.justgiving.com/chris-wilds to donate to Chris’ fund.
