Bristol cyclists say au revoir to Paris after charity challenge
A group of 26 cyclists are returning to Bristol after completing a charity bike ride to Paris in aid of St Peter’s Hospice.
After setting off from the Hospice in Brentry, the team made their way to Portsmouth where they caught the overnight ferry to Caen. They enjoyed a ride through the picturesque French countryside before reaching Paris and completing a celebratory lap of the Champs-Élysées in front of the Eiffel Tower. In total the group cycled over 450km in just four days.
The Bristol to Paris challenge, which was organised in collaboration with Global Adventures, raised an incredible £55,000 and counting for Bristol’s only adult Hospice.
Now fundraisers are encouraging last donations to be made to reach the £60,000 target – the amount needed to fund the work of the Hospice for two days.
Hayley Ali, Community Fundraising Manager at St Peter’s Hospice, said: “Congratulations to our epic riders who have completed this challenge and raised an amazing amount. Each rider had different motivations and levels of cycling experience, with many cycling in memory of a loved one. They all came together with the common goal of supporting the Hospice and the camaraderie was wonderful.
“Together, this small group of supporters have almost raised enough to fund the work of the entire Hospice for two whole days, which is an achievement to never forget.
“This journey wasn’t just about miles, it was about making a meaningful difference, and they did it brilliantly.”
Liz Holpin was cycling with her husband Pete, in memory of Pete’s dad. She said: “Having the opportunity of support gave Pete’s Dad the best possible passing with his family in the village in which he was born.
“Supporting St Peter’s Hospice on the Bristol to Paris bike ride gave us the focus and determination to give back to a wonderful charity.
“Working as a team was the high. The challenges were the unexpected cold weather with fog and chaffing!”
St Peter’s Hospice supports patients in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire, providing inpatient care as well as community care to those with life-limiting illnesses. It costs £30,000 to run the Hospice every day and the charity relies on money raised through fundraising, its shops and Gifts in Wills to continue its work.
Together, the Bristol to Paris team have raised over £55,000 and counting, with more donations expected to come in as the cyclists continue to collect fundraising sponsorship from friends and family.
To help reach the £60,000 target supporters can donate here: Bristol to Paris 2025 - JustGiving
The next St Peter’s Hospice cycle challenge will be the flagship Tour de Bristol in April 2026 - Tour de Bristol - St Peter's Hospice
