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90 keen cyclists from across the South West unleashed their pedal power at the weekend by completing a 212-mile cycling challenge, raising more than £280,000 for Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW).

The 17th annual Ride for Precious Lives saw cyclists ride from North Somerset to Cornwall over 3 days and was generously sponsored by Edwards Vacuum.

The route started out from the charity’s Charlton Farm children’s hospice in North Somerset on Friday 10 July and stopped off at CHSW’s Little Bridge House hospice in Barnstaple on Saturday and finished at Little Harbour in St Austell on Sunday. 

Riders who took part included employees from Edwards Vacuum, Agrii, Collins Aerospace, Jones Building Group and Firmacore. They were joined by members of staff from CHSW, cyclists from the community and 6 families supported by the charity.

Kiley Pearce, Events Fundraiser for CHSW, said: 

This is a tough challenge and the extreme heat did not make it any easier for our cyclists but through true grit, determination and a lot more water stops they made it. They have been fundraising and training for this event for months, so it is wonderful to see them crossing the finish line and to see that fundraising total at such an incredible amount.

“A huge thank you has to go to Rapid Relief, Thirsty Work and various volunteers from communities and village halls across the region who provided water and snack stops along the route, ensuring riders were well hydrated and fuelled for the next section, which was so important in the hot conditions.”

“On behalf of the families our hospices support, thank you to everyone involved, what an incredible effort.”

The funds raised will help hundreds of babies, children, young people and their families across the region, who need support from their local children’s hospice.

Martin Tollner from Edwards spoke about their continued support of the event;

 At Edwards we have been sponsoring this event for 13 years and we will carry on sponsoring this event, it’s a great charity and something close to my heart, thank you everyone for taking part. 

CHSW’s highly skilled teams in Cornwall, Devon and Somerset provide expert care and practical support to families with children with a life-limiting illness so they have the best possible care while making precious memories together.  

With the charity’s running costs totalling more than £16 million a year, CHSW relies almost entirely on voluntary donations to ensure this care can continue being offered.

If you have been inspired by this years riders, registration is open now for Ride for Precious Lives 2027 which will take cyclists in the opposite direction, starting in Cornwall and finishing in Bristol. For more information or to book a place and benefit from 20% discount click here.