The second St Margaret’s Hospice Great Somerset Cycle 2019, sponsored by law firm Clarke Willmott and retailer The Bicycle Chain, has raised over £12,000 for the charity.
Some 90 cyclists took part in the event on Sunday, March 24, to raise funds for St Margaret’s which runs in-patient units in Taunton and Yeovil, as well as five community-based teams who care for patients in their own homes.
The riders set off from both the Taunton and Yeovil hospices and completed either a 40-mile ride from hospice to hospice, or an 80-mile round trip challenge; the latter was also tackled and completed by a team from Clarke Willmott.
Kate Gardner, Partner and Head of Clarke Willmott’s Taunton office, herself a keen cyclist, said: “We are extremely pleased to be supporting St Margaret’s Hospice and the Great Somerset Cycle.
Kate Gardner, Clarke Willmott
“Members of our staff took part in the last event and enjoyed it so much we decided to be main sponsor this year!
“The charity does a great deal of work for the people within our local community and their families and we want to show our support for how grateful we are to both their workers and volunteers.”
She added: “The amount raised so far is absolutely brilliant.”
Sadie Ellison, Corporate fundraiser at St Margaret’s Hospice, said: “A massive thank you to our Great Somerset Cycle sponsors Clarke Willmott Solicitors and The Bicycle Chain for supporting this event.
“The money raised will go directly to ensuring St Margaret’s Hospice continues to make each day count for patients and their families across Somerset.
“For example, this money could go towards 50 counselling sessions for a child who has lost a parent, it could pay for 20 home visits, keeping patients in the comfort of their own home, or it could ensure there is someone to call even in the middle of the night by funding 80 calls to our advice line.
“It really will make a difference to so many people in our local community.”
Sadie added: “The beautiful weather and the companionship and encouragement of fellow cyclists along the route made for an excellent day and, so far, the event has helped to raise over £12,000 with sponsorship and donations still coming in.”
Clarke Willmott LLP is a national law firm with seven offices across the country, including Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, London, Manchester, Southampton and Taunton.
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