Local Charity on lookout for those with Pedal Power

April 8, 2019 by Leigh-on-sea.com

A local charity is looking for those with pedal power to join their team this summer for a challenge which will take them from the capital to the seaside. 

Havens Hospices is inviting intrepid cyclists to participate in the annual London to Southend Bike Ride on Sunday 14^th July and raise vital funds for the charity, which includes Fair Havens Hospice, Little Havens Hospice and The J’s Hospice. All the hospice services help by controlling pain and medication, offering respite and caring for adults, babies, children and young people at the end of their lives.

The event which starts at the Lee Valley VeloPark in Queen Elizabeth Park, Stratford, will test cyclists on either a 52-mile or 65-mile route, taking them through the picturesque villages and quiet lanes of the Essex countryside and finishing at Priory Park in Southend. You’ll be greeted with live music, sports massage, refreshments and a medal! 

Supporters will also be able to see the progress of the charity’s new purpose-built hospice, which they are building opposite Priory Park and are hoping to open in Spring of 2020. Barnes Construction, who are building the new Fair Havens, have been making great progress and recently installed a five-tonne stairwell and the second floor of the Wellbeing Centre; they’ve also made a start on the external walls for the In Patient Unit. When it’s opened the charity will be able to care for twice as many adults with a life-limiting from across Southend, Rochford and Castle Point and their families.  

The minimum requested sponsorship is £60, and everyone will get a free ‘Havens and The J’s’ Cycling jersey to wear for the ride. The money raised by cyclists at this year’s London to Southend ride will mean the free, specialist care the charity offers will be there for as long as it’s needed, within the home, in the community and at the two hospices.

Havens Hospices Event Fundraiser, Emma Hamilton said. “We are really looking forward to welcoming even more cyclists to this popular event this year. We must raise over £100,000 each week to be there for everyone who needs us and each participant and sponsor for this event, will be helping us fulfil our promise of ‘Making every day count.”

For more information please email Emma or call on 01702 220308.