Local resident Maree Collier is determined to prove that she can put pedal power into action and cycle 400 miles to support her local hospice this September.
Maree has signed up to take part in our charity cycling challenge, Tour de Devon, to raise vital funds for patients and families living with a terminal illness in Exeter, Mid and East Devon.
Tour de Devon asks participants of any cycling ability, from novices to experienced cyclists, to choose a challenge distance of 50, 100, 250 or 400 miles and get on their bikes to rack up the miles throughout September.
After taking part in last year’s Tour de Devon for the first time – and cycling a brilliant 264 miles – this year Maree has signed up to the top challenge of 400 miles and she’s determined to go the distance.
Maree explains, “I have seen first-hand the care and support Hospiscare provides so I know I am raising money for a worthy cause.
“I thoroughly enjoyed Tour de Devon last year – it got my fitness levels up and I felt such a sense of pride when I went over and above my target distance and raised over £700 for a wonderful local charity.”
Hospiscare relies on the support of the Devon community to generate 82% of the funding needed to provide our specialist end-of-life care across the heart of Devon. The pandemic hit our charity hard and Hospiscare faces a funding deficit of £1.5 million, so events like Tour de Devon are more vital than ever.
Thanks to event sponsor and Crediton-based business, Ernest Jackson, this year’s challenge is back bigger and better than ever, with a mission to raise over £15,000 for our charity.
Maree urges anyone considering Tour de Devon to “go for it” and continues, “You’ll have an immense sense of achievement, whether you choose to do 50 miles or 400. Hospiscare provides an invaluable service – they provide the last care and act of kindness for so many people. I want that to be able to continue. I have had friends and family pass away in their care and I know that Hospiscare is there, not just for the person, but for their family too.
“When I got my medal and certificate last year, I had this overwhelming sense of achievement and my family and friends were thrilled. It’s not just about people being proud of me, it’s about them acknowledging what Hospiscare do and supporting that.”
Maree is hoping that hundreds of others will join her by getting on their bikes to support Hospiscare and raise vital funds for end-of-life care.
Sign up to Tour de Devon today and make a difference in your community.
