Loved ones remembered in hospice fundraising events

Jim Drew (L) and Dave Crowley are cycling from Bristol to Barcelona to raise money for St Peter's Hospice

Two friends are saddling up for a 1,400km (870 miles) cycle ride in memory of a relative and to raise money for the hospice which cared for him.

Jim Drew and Dave Crowley are setting off from Bristol to Barcelona in a tribute to Mr Drew's stepfather, Paul Smith, who died in July 2024.

The ride starts on the same day that St Peter's Hospice is hosting its "much-loved" Walk to Remember for the final time - an event which has raised thousands of pounds for the charity since 2005.

"We were incredibly fortunate to spend Paul's last few days at St. Peter's Hospice, and we're truly grateful for the exceptional care he received," said Mr Drew, from Clevedon.

Mr Smith was a keen cyclist and a member of Thornbury Cycling Club.

"Paul was the reason I started cycling; he lent me one of his bikes during lockdown and got me hooked. Taking on this ride feels like a meaningful way to honour his memory while raising funds for the hospice that supported us all," said Mr Drew.

"Their work makes a huge difference to local families, and we hope our ride will raise as much as possible to support them," said Mr Crowley, who lives in Thornbury.

Walkers of all ages are invited to join the final Walk to Remember around Ashton Court

Walkers of all ages are invited to take part in the 5km (3-mile) Walk to Remember around Ashton Court.

The event, which has run for over 20 years, has raised more than £317,000 for Bristol's only adult hospice.

Angela Dobson and her family have been taking part in the walk since 2023 after her father, Ted Dobson, was cared for by the hospice.

"This year myself, my sister, my brother-in-law, two nieces, and my seven-month-old great niece are all taking part," she said.

"To be able to raise money as well so that other families can benefit in their darkest days means so much."

It is the final time the walk will run in its current form, as fewer people have been taking part in the last five years.

"It's the right time to bring some new energy to the event by reworking and bringing in new elements," said hospice events fundraising manager, Molly O'Donoghue.

"We are already working on new ideas which we'll be sharing with supporters as soon as we have them firmed up."