Accountants get on their bikes to support hospice care

A 125-mile cycling challenge which visited six hospices in the North West in just one day raised £1,270 to support the care of St Catherine’s.

Moore and Smalley Accountants and Business Advisors organised the marathon ride and raised an amazing £3,000 in total for the benefit of hospices across the region.

Out of the 25 cyclists taking part, 12 were Moore and Smalley employees, with the remainder being family and friends of the company.

Six in total completed the full 125-mile journey which began at St Mary’s in Ulverston, and then continued to St John’s in Lancaster. The group then cycled to Trinity Hospice in Blackpool and onto St Catherine’s, followed by Bolton Hospice and East Lancashire Hospice, before finishing back in Preston at the Continental on South Meadow Lane.

The contingent was aided by individuals from Sky Ride and British Cycling who kindly agreed to lead the first 34 mile leg of the ride.

The challenge follows a number of Moore and Smalley employees joining a group of volunteers in assisting the hospice’s Symphony at the Towers concerts earlier this month and a cake sale which raised more than £150.

At the Symphony, whilst the visiting public enjoyed the music of Status Quo, Blake and Lucy Kay, the group helped direct guests in and out of the event, collected litter, sold raffle tickets and manned the car parks.

Their help continued even after the last song was played with the team staying until after 11pm to help clean up. Chris Wilson, an employee for Moore and Smalley, told St Catherine’s that he and his fellow colleagues were more than happy to rise to the challenge in an iconic year for the hospice.

“He said: “We wanted to think of several ways we could help St Catherine’s celebrate their 30th anniversary this year. Having acted for the Hospice for these 30 years, we have seen both the challenges they face to raise the funds needed to continue in operation each year, and the great work that they do to help the local community.

“Both the cake sale and bike ride have raised funds which we hope will enable the Hospice to continue with the great work that they do. The 25 who took part in the bike ride cycled over 1,500 miles between them, showing that our staff love a challenge!

“Everyone who volunteered to help at the Symphony event had a great day, and we’re glad that they could help make the event a great success. For those collecting money selling raffle tickets and flags, it was an opportunity to put their accountancy skills to good use!”

Lynne Whittaker, senior fundraiser at St Catherine’s Hospice commended their achievement adding: “What a wonderful idea the Hospice Cycle Challenge was, and what an amazing achievement for all those involved!

“St Catherine’s celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2015 and Moore and Smalley have been great supporters of St Catherine’s over the years. Not only have they raised vital funds to support our specialist work, this year they also gave their incredibly valuable time through volunteering at Symphony at the Tower. The group were so helpful and enthusiastic – chipping in with everything from selling raffle tickets to litter picking. We simply couldn’t host large fundraising events like this without the help of volunteers, and are extremely grateful for their on-going support.”

We would like to thank our friends at Moore and Smalley for all of their efforts on behalf of everyone at St Catherine’s Hospice. If you would like to show your appreciation, visit their Just Giving page, here.

Share with your friends!