A determined cyclist is more than half-way through a mammoth challenge to cycle 10,000 kilometres in a year – while raising money for a hospice close to his heart.
Graham Davies, from Bransford, is raising money for St Richard’s Hospice, which provided community nursing care to his mother-in-law, Katrina, at home.
The 55-year-old, who works as a driver for the Worcestershire charity, began the challenge in October 2019 and has clocked-up 8,500km cycling in his spare time.
“It means a lot to me to try and raise as much money as possible for St Richard’s Hospice,” said Mr Davies, whose role involves delivering new stock to the shops, collecting donations and more.
“Working for the hospice, I see the amazing work that’s done. The warehouse team sorts through a massive amount of clothes, bric-a-brac, books, furniture, and more, which has been generously donated by the public.
“The fabulous shop managers work tirelessly to sell the donated goods and are supported by an incredible number of volunteers.
“Then, when we drive to the hospice in Wildwood Drive, I see the incredible facility that is St Richard’s Hospice.
“There are continual improvements being made to enable the hospice to care for more and more people in a better way. It’s a brilliant organisation to be involved with.”
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, a number of the cycling events Mr Davies had planned to take part in have been cancelled.
However, he has set himself a series of solo challenges to complete over the summer months, in a bid to cover as many kilometres as possible.
Among the challenges is a day-long ride between the 19 St Richard’s Hospice charity shops and warehouse in Worcestershire – a feat which will see him cover 145km over seven hours this August.
Other challenges Mr Davies has set himself include: the hospice’s 100K Your Way, for which he will cycle 140km between the cathedrals in Hereford, Gloucester and Worcester; the 224km Devon Coast-to-Coast from Barnstaple to Plymouth and back; the 60km Camel Trail in Cornwall; 195km from St Mary’s Stadium in Southampton to Worcester; and a three-day, 340km tour of the south east, starting in London and taking in Whitstable, Canterbury, Brighton, before returning to the capital.
So far, Mr Davies has raised more than £1,340 for the hospice.
Kelly Johns, Fundraiser at St Richard’s, said: “We are in awe of Graham’s phenomenal challenge and wish him all the very best!
“We’re cheering him on all the way through the year – and are especially looking forward to supporting him with his cycle between all our shops!
“On behalf of everyone here at St Richard’s, I’d like to say a big ‘thank you’ to Graham for raising money in support of our hospice care.”
To support Mr Davies’ fundraising with a donation, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/graham-davies20