Were you at the start of Cotswold charity cycle ride?

That’s the question Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice is asking as it launches an appeal for cyclists who took part in its very first Ride for Ryder event in 1988 to get in touch.

The call out comes as the hospice gears up to celebrate its 30th anniversary charity cycle ride on Sunday 24th June, online entries for which are now open at www.sueryder.org/rideforryder30

The Ride for Ryder charity cycling event is estimated to have seen some 8,000-plus cyclists ride thousands of miles in support of the local hospice, raising hundreds of thousands of pounds for its specialist care along the way.

Matt Reay, the fundraiser responsible for organising this year’s event, said: “Most people mark their 30th year with a big celebration and that’s exactly what we are planning for 2018’s Ride for Ryder. We’re doing all we can to make this year’s cycle ride the biggest and best yet.

“Another celebratory tradition is having photos from your previous 30 years shared with family and friends, and that’s exactly what we would like to do.

“We’d love to display photos and stories of the charity cyclists who’ve supported us over the past 30 years, so if you’ve cycled with us before please get in touch.

“In particular we’re really keen to hear from anyone who took part in our very first Ride for Ryder cycle event back in 1988. If you have any photos or stories that you’re willing to share, email leckhampton.events@sueryder.org.”

Ride for Ryder is a charity cycle ride supporting the only hospice in Gloucestershire with inpatient beds.

Elise Hoadley, hospice director at Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice, said: “It is quite incredible to think we have been running this cycle ride for 30 years now.

“It’s becoming quite the Cotswold charity cycling tradition and we’d love nothing more than to welcome back lots of our past riders and new riders too to help mark this very special occasion – retro cycling clothing and vintage bikes optional!

“Every mile cycled and every donation secured will raise funds so we can continue to provide specialist expert care for local people and their families at a time they need it most.”

The professionally run cycle event is suitable for novices right through to more seasoned cyclists, starting and finishing from top class sporting facilities at Dean Close School in Cheltenham with a 40km, 90km and 130km distance offered.

All cyclists registering for Ride for Ryder 30 before midnight on Monday 30th April can grab themselves a special discount on the entrance fee. Prices will be held at £7.50 for the 40km ride and £20 for the 90km or 130km rides until midnight 30th April with online entry now open at www.sueryder.org/rideforryder30

Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice cares for local people with conditions like cancer, heart failure, lung disease and neurological conditions.

For more information, visit www.sueryder.org/leckhampton. For more information on Ride for Ryder 30, email leckhampton.events@sueryder.org or call 01242 246162.