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A team of employees from one of North Somerset’s largest employers is getting ready to take on Ride for Precious Lives 2026. 

Colleagues from Edwards in Clevedon will once again take part in Children’s Hospice South West’s (CHSW) Ride for Precious Lives, which takes place from 10–12 July, marking the 13th year in a row the company has entered a team into the event. 

This year’s sold-out challenge will see 13 members of the Edwards team joining 84 fellow cyclists to complete a 212-mile route from Charlton Farm children’s hospice in Wraxall to Little Harbour children’s hospice in St Austell. Along the way, riders will also stop at Little Bridge House children’s hospice in Barnstaple. 

Over the last 12 years, Edwards has proudly supported the event both through sponsorship, helping to fund its running costs, and by entering a team to cycle each year. In 2025, the company raised more than £27,000 for CHSW, and this year’s riders are aiming to match that total, with every participant committing to raise £1,250 individually. Extra fundraising is also taking place at the company’s Clevedon headquarters through a variety of employee-led activities and events. 

Aaron Bowen, Edwards employee and returning Ride for Precious Lives participant shares how the people he met on the first day of the cycle completely changed his motivations for taking part to something much more meaningful:  “My lead up and first day of riding was in all honesty very much a personal fitness challenge. From that first evening it all changed and I was completely humbled and honestly slightly embarrassed that I'd taken such a selfish motivation."

From that day on I rode it for the people I'd met and experienced, for the families that have been helped and that will be helped by the money and awareness we raise. I am so proud to be a part of such an incredible family.

Event Organiser Kiley Pearce said: “Ride for Precious Lives would not be feasible without the outstanding and inspirational support of Edwards and their employees. Their commitment to sponsoring the event, training and fundraising year on year enables us to raise an additional £250,000 each year towards vital care at our 3 hospices. 

Edwards, which manufactures specialist environmental systems used to clean gases in microchip production, has enjoyed a long and valued partnership with CHSW since 2010. Over the past 16 years, the company has contributed more than £466,000 through fundraising initiatives and sponsorship of Ride for Precious Lives, alongside supporting the charity in many other ways. 

It costs almost £16 million to keep the 3 of the CHSW hospices open and provide vital care to families wherever they are across the South West, whilst also raising the funds needed to continue supporting babies, children and young people with life-limiting conditions and their families. Every contribution helps families access the care and support they need during the most challenging times. 

The Clevedon-based company, part of Atlas Copco Group, also provides volunteers for a range of CHSW events and activities, including helping to clean the ball pit in Charlton Farm’s soft play area. Its site has become a key fundraising hub for the charity, with staff organising initiatives throughout the year and even being a complimentary venue space for CHSW’s recent Friends Group Conference.