A hospice is calling on fundraisers to use pedal power to help care for people across north Kent.

Throughout the month of August, ellenor is inviting supporters to take part in its Ride Local cycling challenge.

The cycling challenge invites individuals, families and local businesses to ride a distance of their choosing - 100, 50 or 25 miles - in one ride or across multiple rides from August 1 to 31. Participants simply record their distance on an app and get sponsored.

Paddock Wood-based Baxall Construction has pledged to support the challenge for a second year.

Managing director Malcolm Clarke said: “Last year we took part in the challenge ourselves as a business and we will be doing so again this year. We are delighted to do our part in supporting ellenor."

Jemma Kemp, senior fundraising officer for ellenor, said: “This is a family-friendly challenge that’s suitable for every level of cyclist. This year we’ve made it even easier to take part as it’s free to sign up.

"We’re encouraging our supporters to get outdoors and get active this summer. Take your bike on your staycation, take part as a team-building exercise or take on a personal fitness challenge. With fundraising awards up for grabs, we are asking challengers to share their photos and cycles with us, get sponsored and support their local hospice.”

The charity is also calling on businesses to step up to a very different kind of fundraising feat.

Once again it is running its Accumulator Challenge which asks firms to take £50 and grow it through whichever means they can – in just four months.

PLP Fire Protection took part last year and banked £250 by making and selling Christmas decorations.

Rob Beeching, from the Dartford-based company, said: "I think I just love the concept of it. Some fundraising these days is just that, isn’t it? The Accumulator Challenge, however, offers an element of healthy competition, and there are different awards available. That’s the kind of stuff that spurs people on sometimes."

The 2020 challenge raised £22,000.

Jemma said: “After a turbulent year, we are so excited to get started with this years’ Accumulator Challenge and have already had many businesses sign up to taking part.

“Throughout the challenge we will be on hand with lots of support and encouragement.”

This year, the challenge opens on Wednesday, September 1, and businesses can register now on ellenor's website or contact Jemma at jemma.kemp@ellenor.org for more information.

To find out more information about the cycling challenge, visit www.ellenor.org or call the events team on 01322 626506.

The ellenor team provides children’s hospice care for patients in their homes across north and west Kent and Bexley. Adults living in Gravesham, Dartford and Swanley receive care in their place of choice including their own home, at the hospice in Gravesend or a local care home.

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