Final call for cyclists to take part in Bristol to Paris challenge
Local charity St Peter’s Hospice has issued a call for keen cyclists to take part in a once-in-a-lifetime challenge which will see them pedal from the doors of the Hospice in Brentry to the city centre of Paris.
The Bristol to Paris Cycle 2025 is the Hospice’s longest cycling challenge covering over 400km across four days in September to raise money for patient care. Last year’s inaugural challenge raised £170,000 with riders of all abilities taking part.
The last remaining places are now available and fundraisers at the charity are hoping to fill them soon before entries close.
“This is a truly bucket-list worthy challenge,” said Hayley Ali, Events Fundraising Manager at St Peter’s Hospice.
“Starting in Bristol, you'll cycle your way through England's countryside lanes, take a ferry over the channel, and pedal across scenic France before finishing in Paris at the iconic Eiffel Tower.
“This is one of the biggest charity challenges we put on and we require riders to raise a minimum of £1,750, which could amount to around 50 hours of care for a Hospice patient.
“Eighty per cent of the total needs to be raised by June 2025 so anyone wanting to join in is being encouraged to sign up now and give themselves enough time to fundraise.
“These vital funds go towards supporting people in Bristol to get the care they deserve at the end of their lives.
“Last year we had 50 riders take part and the atmosphere and camaraderie was incredible with everyone on the team pedalling for the same cause.”
St Peter’s Hospice is Bristol’s only adult hospice, caring for patients with life-limiting illnesses in Bristol, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset.
It costs around £30,000 per day for St Peter’s Hospice to provide care at the Hospice in Brentry and out in the community. The charity also supports family members, loved ones and carers, offering bereavement therapy and supportive drop-in sessions.
One supporter who took part in the 2024 Bristol to Paris Cycle said: “Fantastic experience all round. I genuinely can’t believe I took part in something which gave me so much whilst benefitting the Hospice at the same time. I have gained new friends for life, a whole new hobby and achieved something which a year ago I would never have thought I was capable of. To top it all fantastic memories to cherish.”
Hayley continued: “We were absolutely delighted by the success of our first Bristol to Paris challenge. Everyone who took part showed so much enthusiasm, determination and teamwork, cycling together to raise money for a fantastic cause.”
This year’s event will take place on 24-28 September with friends, family and hospice staff waving off the riders from the Hospice.
Participants will be supported by event partners, Global Adventure Challenges, who provide logistical support and organisation for the journey.
Former Olympian and renowned cycling expert Oli Beckingsale of BW Cycles will also be supporting the event, through offering tailored training plans and discounted cycling equipment.
Registration for the event costs £150 but you can use the discount code SAVE15 for 15% off the fee for a limited time only. The fundraising target is £1,750 with £1,400 required by June 2025 and the final amount due by October 2025.
For more information and to sign up visit Bristol to Paris Cycle 2025 - St Peter's Hospice
