Ipswich Town manager Mick McCarthy has today shown his support for three cycle challenges in aid of a local charity.
St Elizabeth Hospice launched RideFest last month with two new elements, building on their successful event for businesses last year. Today Ipswich Town Football Club pledged its support to the fundraiser.
RideFest will return next month with a competition for local businesses, a sportive challenge for the more seasoned cyclist and an individual challenge for those who want to set their own target and take part in their own time. All three will raise money to support St Elizabeth Hospice’s work both at their base in Foxhall Road and out in the community.
Town boss Mick McCarthy said: “Many of our supporters have benefited from the services offered by St Elizabeth Hospice and the charity is held in high regard among local people.”
Settling in to the saddle with under 18s assistant manager Chris Hogg, Mr McCarthy said: “A few of the players popped in to see some of the patients there before Christmas and they were really moved by the place. There’s such joy there and the staff really do make such an effort to make peoples’ last days the best they possibly can. It is therefore my pleasure to give my backing to RideFest and I urge people to take part however they can and help raise money so the hospice can continue to help local people in the wonderful way they do.”
This year, businesses have the opportunity to compete in the workplace challenge where teams will take place in three 30 minutes challenges on their own premises and the CEO takes part in a further 30 minute ride of their own. Entry costs £99 per team with each team asked to raise a further £350 which could cover the cost of eight therapy sessions for someone who has recently lost a loved one. Team sessions take place between Monday 12 and Friday 23 February with a grand final being held at Trinity Park on Thursday 1 March.
New for this year is the sportive challenge; a 25 mile or 50 mile cycle ride around Suffolk’s roads which is ideal for riders who are jumping back in to the saddle after the winter break. Tickets for this event, which takes place on Sunday 18 March, are priced at £18 for the first 100 places, rising to £25 for those who sign up before the event. Tickets will also be available on the day for £28 each.
The individual challenge is also a new addition this year and allows people to set their own distance and complete their challenge any time during February and March. Entry is free and anyone who raises more than £25 in sponsorship, which could cover the cost of one hours nursing care in a patients’ home or at the hospice, will receive an official RideFest medal and certificate.
All the money raised from the three challenges will go directly to the charity to care for local people in their last days of life and support their family during this time and after their loved one has died.
RideFest has been made possible thanks to our supporters Beagle Property, Anglia Factors, Suffolk Wire, Damco, Itineris and MorVend.