Tour de Bristol is back!
‘Team Grumps’ encouraging others to sign up for Bristol’s biggest bike ride
Bristol’s biggest bike ride, Tour de Bristol, is back and one local family is encouraging others to secure their place for the 11th annual event, which raises money for St Peter’s Hospice.
Team Grumps, otherwise known as Ceri, Kieren and Sam from Bristol took part in the 2024 Tour de Bristol, riding in memory of their Dad Adrian, who was cared for by the Hospice in December 2023.
The sibling trio conquered the 65km route and are now calling for others to sign up for one of the charity’s most popular events.
Hundreds of riders will attend the event on Saturday 5 April, with three different routes to choose from - 40, 65 or 100km – all starting from the UWE Centre for Sport and heading into the stunning South Gloucestershire countryside.
Participants take on the cycle in memory of a loved one, as a personal challenge or just for fun, raising money for Bristol’s only adult hospice along the way.
Kieren, a keen supporter of the Hospice, said: “St Peter’s Hospice looked after our Dad in the last week of his life. Before then, Ceri and I would take it in shifts, we were looking after him 24/7. Because he had brain metastases, he was getting quite confused, he was getting up and down, he wasn’t aware of his own safety. We had to be around to make sure he was safe.
“What was particularly special was the Community Nurse Specialist who went above and beyond by visiting us whilst he was at home until he could be admitted into the Inpatient Unit. One of the consultants even came out with her and made sure Dad could get all the pain relief he needed. St Peter’s Hospice stepped in and it was exactly what we needed, our stress levels went right down.”
Ceri added: “For me, St Peter’s Hospice saved us. I find it really emotional to talk about the Hospice. I can talk about Dad passing, and I’ve got acceptance and clarity that he’s gone now, but the care that the nurses gave at the Hospice, genuinely, I think they’re angels sent from heaven.
“They always listened. It was the only time he was pain free, under St Peter’s Hospice care. Even when he came out of hospital, he was alright but he still had pain. It was the first time I asked my Dad ‘Are you in pain?’ and he said ‘No’.”
St Peter's Hospice provides care and support to adults living with life-limiting illnesses in the Bristol, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset area. Established for over 40 years, the majority of support is provided in people's own homes.
Kieren continued: “In all the time, we saw four nurses, and each and every one we bonded with. I’m a nurse myself and they respected me and not only allowed me to be a part of his care, but they listened to me as a care giver, they gave me a nursing handover, asked my opinions. That allowed us to advocate for our Dad. We knew when he was uncomfortable and they were on it, and they never questioned or doubted that.
“You could just see the relief on his face when he was in there. Knowing that we were there, and being able to be his children and having space and time to be with him, but also space and time for us to start the grieving process. I’m forever thankful, and I think that has allowed me to move on in the way I have done. For me, we did everything we could possibly have done for our father, but we couldn’t have done that without the assistance of St Peter’s Hospice.
“I’m thankful for that because they’ve lessened the trauma for us all, including Dad. I think people don’t realise it until you get to that moment in time when it is needed and what it means, what it really truly means.”
The Tour de Bristol is one of St Peter’s Hospice’s most popular events and with three distances to choose from, it is open to people of all abilities. The 40km route is perfect for beginners, 65km to push a little further or 100km for the ultimate challenge.
And there’s also the option of a virtual challenge for those unable to make the event date. Here participants can choose a distance and date to suit, while still raising money for a much-loved local cause.
With feed stations along the picturesque route, as well as chip timing and a medal at the finish line, the event is set to be an exciting day of pedaling for patient care.
Sam said: “It was great to be involved in Tour de Bristol, raise money, give something back, and create some awareness of the good work that the Hospice does for people and their end-of-life care.”
For more information and to sign up visit Tour de Bristol - St Peter's Hospice
