Families getting on their bikes for Rowans Ride

On Sunday, The Rowans Hospice is holding its annual bike ride which will see keen cyclists pick one of three routes to complete.

Starting and finishing at 1000 Lakeside North Harbour, the Rowans Ride will cover 18 miles around Portsmouth, 30 miles up to the charity’s base in Purbrook and 65 miles to Petersfield and through Wickham.

Taking part this year is Lee Collier-Williams, who is doing the ride in memory of his mother-in-law.

It will be the sixth challenge Lee has done for The Rowans having walked in the Moonlit Memories Walk, abseiled down the Spinnaker Tower and shaved off his hair.

He said: ‘I’m nervous about this challenge, as I have only recently got back on a bike.

‘I haven’t yet managed to cycle more than 10 minutes to my local shops and back.

‘The 18-mile ride, although promoted as a leisure ride, will be a challenge for me but well worth undertaking to help raise money for The Rowans.

‘It will also help towards my training for the Great South Run.’

The 30-mile route will be completed by a group of riders from Challenge 41.

The group was set up in memory of Beckie Unwin who died at The Rowans Hospice, aged 41 last year.

Family and friends have been taking on challenges from marathons, fun days and cricket matches to triathlons, abseils, cycles and clothes sales to complete 41 fundraisers in a year.

Now coming to the end of the year and the challenges, the group wanted as many family and friends to take on the ride.

Gemma Carden, events fundraiser, said: ‘We are really looking forward to it.

‘It is a fantastic event that provides a great opportunity to get on your bikes and take part in a healthy activity with family and friends, while raising money to help support people in the community who are affected by life-limiting illnesses.’

‘Don’t worry if you haven’t registered, you still can register on the day from 8am.’

To register, go into one of Rowans Hospice shops or Dirt2Road on Southsea seafront to pick up a registration form.

You can also register on the day for an additional £5 per adult or child or £10 per family.

For more information visit rowanshospice.co.uk.