Staff and volunteers at the UK’s leading end of life charity raised more than £2,000 when they took part in a 40-hour bikeathon to celebrate the charity’s flagship fundraiser.
Marie Curie’s Great Daffodil Appeal, which takes place annually from February to March, marked its 40th anniversary this year, and the charity’s team in Wales celebrated the end of the milestone last week.
A total of 66 staff, volunteers and supporters took part in a 40 hour Bikeathon from 7pm on April 22 to 11am on April 24, taking on 30 minute stints across the time on static bikes at the Wellbeing and Support Hub at the Marie Curie Hospice, Cardiff and the Vale in Penarth.
The charity provides expert end of life care for people with any illness they are likely to die from, and support for their family and friends, at its hospice on Bridgeman Road and where they live. It is the largest charity funder of palliative and end of life care research in the UK, and campaigns to ensure everyone has a good end of life experience.
Fundraising also supports the charity’s free Information and Support service, including its support line which is for anyone living with a terminal illness or affected by dying, death and bereavement.
On the final morning, not-for-profit community station Bro Radio broadcast its breakfast show live from the hospice, some of whose team joined for stints on the bike across the three days.
Other riders included fundraising volunteer Hilary, who then headed off to London for her 11th London Marathon in aid of the charity, and fundraising volunteer Nerys Thomas who has supported the charity for 20 years.
Nurse Fiona Bourge also took on a ride while off on maternity leave from her role at the hospice.
Hospice Ambassador, actress Suzanne Packer, attended on Friday morning to cheer on the final riders and meet with staff.
Suzanne said: “It was an honour to be able to come and cheer everyone along at the end of this incredible bikeathon challenge and hear about how it’s all gone. It’s always a pleasure chat to the staff about the work the charity does and the importance of it to those they care for, and their families and loved ones.”
Community Fundraiser Hannah Warner-Holt, who organised the activity, said: “We are overwhelmed with the amount we were able to raise from this tough challenge, and to have had support from so many of our staff, volunteers and other supporters.
“Seeing people put their hands up to ride through the night to ensure we kept the wheels turning was so moving, and we can’t thank everyone enough.
“Thanks again to SNAP Fitness for supplying us with the bikes. Now we need to think of what we do next year!”
