Hundreds of cyclists raise thousands

Around 500 people cycled through the Yorkshire countryside, raising more than £9,000 for the Pontefract hospice.

The cyclists were able to choose from a variety of routes, including a family-friendly 15-miler, as well as the longer 30, 50 and 80 rides for more experienced cyclists.

There was also a family fun day running throughout the day at Pontefract Park, where the race started and finished.

Families enjoyed bouncy castles, stalls and refreshments.

Rider Julie Tuke, who cycled the 50 mile route, said: “This is the fourteenth year I’ve done the cyclothon and it was lovely to see so many people turn out for such a great cause.

“It was a beautiful day, with a fantastic atmosphere and a great scenic route.We even saw a baby deer in the fields.”

The event, on Sunday, May 15, was the 22nd annual cyclothon and it attracted more cyclists than in any previous year.

The money raised will go towards helping the Halfpenny Lane facility support patients with life-limiting illness and their families.

The hospice costs £2.4m every year to run, most of which comes from donations from the community and local fundraising events.

Michelle Foulks, events and community co-ordinator, said “This years’ cyclothon was a huge success, we’re ecstatic about the turn out, we’ve never had this many people before.

“The cyclothon is always one of our most popular events and we are so glad that so many people got involved.”

For more information, or to donate, visit www.pwh.org.uk or call 01977 708868.