Prospect Hospice Ironman Challenge

The charity is calling on fans of cycling, and those who have always wanted to have a go, to put their foot to the pedal and take on a new challenge.

Prospect Hospice has the perfect opportunity for those wishing to take on a challenge this November as they set out the second stage of their Ironman Challenge.

Supporters are being asked to cycle 100 miles for the hospice and raise vital funds to help care for local people who need specialist end of life care. For keen cyclists this could be done in one go but for those who are less experienced on a bike, this could be done in smaller chunks throughout the month.

Janet Kelly has supported the hospice through the Wroughton Silver Band and wanted to challenge herself by signing up to the Ironman Challenge. Out of the three activities, the cycle event will be her biggest challenge and she said: “I haven’t ridden a bike since I was 12 years old, so I’m hoping the saying ‘it’s like riding a bike’ is true and it all comes back to me when I sit in the saddle.”

Janet plans to get out on her bike as often as she can to do a few miles each time and she’s hoping to do 50 miles on cycle tracks and the other 50 miles at home on her exercise bike.

Sally Langheim, challenge events fundraiser at Prospect Hospice, said: “Opportunities for us to fundraise have been significantly impacted due to the ongoing pandemic, however this cycle challenge is easily accessible for riders of all abilities and the whole family can join in.

“Whether you’re a fair weather cyclist, a family looking for a fun day out or an avid rider looking for a new challenge, Cycle Your Way is the event for you. You don’t even have to leave your own home and could even complete some or all of this challenge on your exercise bike at home like Janet.”

Every penny raised from sponsorship by take part in this event will enable Prospect Hospice to help local people living with life limiting illness to live well and die with dignity and choice. Every donation will also help the charity provide support to family members, including children, who may need support at a very difficult time in their lives.

Those who have completed the charity’s Marathon Your Way event, to run a marathon throughout October, and then complete this event, will have only one activity left to complete the Ironman Triathlon – A Swim Your Way in December.

Registration costs just £10 for adults and £5 each for children and all those who take part will be rewarded with a medal at the end as a thank you for raising much needed money.

To find out more about the challenge and to sign up, visit www.prospect-hospice.net/cycle.

Since 1980, Prospect Hospice in Wroughton has been providing the only dedicated end-of-life care service for the people living in our community – bringing care, comfort and confidence, around the clock, every day of the year. The hospice does this 24 hours a day, seven days a week, through its inpatient unit, day therapy, CNS Team and Prospect@Home services. It also has a wellbeing centre in Marlborough.