Hospice staff cycle more than 300 miles to work

The team from St Margaret's Hospice took on the challenge this week

Hospice staff have collectively cycled more than 300 miles this week to raise money for their place of work.

Seven St Margaret's Hospice employees cycled to work on Tuesday morning to mark Bike Week, with some setting off as early as 05.30 BST to make it to work for 09.00 BST.

The group raised £1,000 for the Taunton hospice, which they say could pay for 24 hours of expert specialist care on its inpatient unit, with donations still coming in.

CEO James Rimmer, who cycled in from Bristol, said it was "a wonderful opportunity".

The cyclists were greeted by a welcoming committee of applauding colleagues as they arrived at the finish line.

The idea for the challenge began with senior IT technician, Jack Gorman, whose colleagues had been encouraging him to cycle to work more often.

Tom White, head of business intelligence, challenged Mr Gorman that if he cycled to and from work - a 50-mile commute to work and back - then Mr White would cycle in from his Barnstaple home, a round trip of 100 miles.

The staff managed to raise £1,000 through their two-wheeled commutes

Tim Netto, head of IT, then pledged to ride from Burnham, approximately 30 miles each way, to support Mr White.

The friendly dare became a department-wide initiative, with Mr Rimmer also joining in.

He said: "My mum is one of the recipients currently receiving care in our day hospice, The Sunflower Centre and it was a wonderful opportunity to encourage both healthy living for colleagues at St Margaret's but also to put something back and get some fundraising.

"Thanks to all who rode in, who welcomed us and all those who have sponsored us."