This year’s ever-popular Ride for Ryder challenge has been a record-breaker.

The event, which took place a couple of weeks ago, has so far raised more than £61,000 for Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice with donations still coming in.

More than 430 cyclists from across Gloucestershire took to their bikes as part of the challenge, following one of five routes through the stunning Cotswolds.

The cyclists – there were 432 of them – covered distances ranging from 40km to 160km and they were treated to spectacular countryside views as they went through villages including Broadway, Chipping Campden and Bredon.

“It was a fantastic event,we were thrilled to see so many riders turning out to support us,” said Matt Reay, community fundraising manager at Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice.

“We are absolutely blown away with the record-breaking amount of money raised this year.

“This incredible £61,000 will help us continue to be there when it matters for families across Gloucestershire.”

The money raised will go towards supporting the hospice’s expert and compassionate palliative care and bereavement support services.

And it wasn’t just the 430-plus cyclists raising money on the big day because alongside the main event – younger cyclists also had the chance to saddle up and compete in a series of races in the grounds of Dean Close School, raising an impressive £1,500 for the charity.

Organised by Cheltenham Town Wheelers Grass Crit and tailored for various age categories from children under eight to novice adults, each race lasted from 10 to 30 minutes.

“We’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone involved in helping make the event such a success, including our sponsor, Cape Homes, Cheltenham Town Wheelers, Creed Food Service for donating water and snacks for our fuel station, Suntory Beverage and Food GB&I for donating drinks to energise the riders, and all the mechanics who helped keep the riders on the road,” added Matt Reay.

“A big shout out too to our fantastic volunteers – we couldn’t have done this without them,”

Mark Holland, director at Cape Homes, said: “We were delighted to not only sponsor Ride for Ryder this year, but have a team from Cape Homes compete in the event too.

“I have been a supporter of Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice for some time now.

“Over the last four years, I have lost three very close friends, all of whom were supported at home by the Sue Ryder team.

“As a way of giving back and saying thank you for their compassionate care, I’m delighted to confirm that we will be sponsoring Ride for Ryder in 2025. We can’t wait to get out on our bikes again.”

Nicky Harverson, organiser of Cheltenham Town Wheelers, added: “We love bringing our energy and passion for creating inclusive events to support Sue Ryder’s Ride for Ryder.

“This is our second year and we are blown away by the support of all our riders and parents on the day. 

“The course design was developed with our young leaders who were so excited to be riding here at Dean Close again. Thanks so much for allowing us to share your weekend and we hope to see you again next year.”

The 37th Ride for Ryder will take place on Sunday 6th July 2025. To sign up, visit https://www.sueryder.org/get-involved/fundraise-for-us/events/ride-for-ryder-2025/

For more information on Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice, visit www.sueryder.org/leckhamptoncourt