Shropshire cyclists set to saddle up for European charity challenge

Severn Hospice is appealing for people to take part in its first North Sea Challenge cycling fundraiser.

The event, which is set to take place between September 7 and 9 next year, will see 30 participants riding across France, Belgium and the Netherlands to raise money for the charity.

Cyclists will cover around 170 miles as they journey from Dunkirk to The Hague via Northern France, Belgium and Holland during the three-day challenge.

Funds raised from the event will go towards helping the hospice provide care and support to people across the region who are living with incurable illnesses.

Paul Cronin, Severn Hospice chief executive, will be getting on his bike to join the riders on the challenge.

He said: “After the success of our first London to Paris bike ride last year which helped raise £40,000.00 for Severn Hospice, we wanted to set a new challenge for enthusiastic cyclists to enjoy whilst helping us to generate much-needed funds to support our work.

“With most of the riding taking place on well-established cycling routes, the North Sea Challenge will give participants the chance to take in the stunning scenery along the way including coastal nature reserves, dykes, islands and traditional Flemish villages.

“The entire challenge is being organised solely by Severn Hospice, meaning that all of the proceeds will go directly to our hospice to support the work of caring teams.

“Places are limited so those who want to take part should sign up as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.”

People who would like to find out more information about the North Sea Challenge or who would like to sign up for the event can do so on the hospice’s events shop at www.severnhospice.co.uk .

It costs £150 to register for the event and riders are asked to raise an additional £1,000.