The Dalmatian Bike Ride, an annual challenge sponsored by Acorn by Synergie in aid of St David’s Hospice, has raised £400,000 since its launch 13 years ago.
More than 300 cyclists took on five routes of up to 101km in June 2024 to raise vital funds and awareness in aid of the hospice, which cares for over 3,200 patients across Wales in Newport, Caerphilly, Torfaen, Monmouthshire, and Mid and South Powys.
Acorn by Synergie has supported St David’s Hospice Care since 2016 through sponsorship and partaking in events. In 2024, the recruitment company’s CEO Bernard Ward, Chief Operations Officer Andrew Tugwell, Group Head of HR Emily Meredith, Head of IT Steve Madden, Director of Operations Marc Jones, Marc’s son and Commercial Partnership Director Mark Rudge took part in the cycle ride and raised £590 between them.
The company’s partnership with St David’s Hospice is part of its ongoing commitment to supporting communities involved in and surrounding its work as a leading recruiter operating in multiple sectors across the UK.
The idea for the ride came from Newport-based Dave Rees, who wanted to raise funds as a thank you for the care received at the in-patient hospice of his father in-law John Dixon. Dave also volunteers at the hospice.
In its second year in 2012, 101 riders took part and the name Dalmatian Bike Ride was coined. Since then, it’s evolved to being affectionately called ‘The Dally’.
The committee of organisers, spearheaded by Dave’s passion and enthusiasm, and the St David’s Hospice Careteam plan and deliver a fabulous event every year, with riders taking part in various distances all over south east Wales.
Alongside supporting events like the Dalmatian Bike Ride, Acorn by Synergie is committed to creating positive social, economic, and environmental impacts within communities it works in across the UK through its Acorn Impact incentive which launched this year.
Dalmatian Bike Ride Founder Dave Rees said: “Who would have thought, 13 years ago that aiming for £2500 would turn into £400,000. At £250,000 we had a room named after Dad (John Dixon) at the hospice. Our next target has to be £500,000.
“We would like to say a huge thanks to all the riders, donators, volunteers and sponsors who continue to support us at The Priory Hotel every year.”
Marc Jones, Director of Operations at Acorn by Synergie, said: “It’s a brilliant event to be a part of and is a really special day that brings family together. Both me and my son Max had a great time doing the bike ride. We also had loads of fun at the family festival after the event, too. It’s very humbling to be involved with the fundraising for such a worthy cause.”
Bernard Ward, Managing Director at Acorn by Synergie, said: “We’re thrilled to continuing supporting this very important cause. The patients and families faced with these life-threatening conditions can continue to get the support they need and deserve, alongside the help and determination of those working at St David’s Hospice and behind the scenes on this annual Bike Ride.”
Emma Saysell, Chief Executive of St David’s Hospice Care said: “We are absolutely thrilled that Dave and the whole team involved with delivering this event have managed to get to this wonderful amount, they should all be very proud.
“It’s a spectacular event where so many local people take part or support in their own way. We are so grateful to Acorn by Synergie as they have been our headline sponsor for many years. I would like to express my gratitude to each and all sponsors and suppliers who have been involved and we are already looking forward to the 2025 event with great excitement.”
Dave Rees has called on riders for their continued support and has asked all the local community to get involved in the 2025 event.
