Pedalling for Paul
Two South Gloucestershire friends are saddling up for a Bristol-to-Barcelona cycle ride in a tribute to a local man cared for at St. Peter’s Hospice.
The pair, Jim Drew and Dave Crowley, both 30 from Thornbury, will set off from Bristol on a 1,400km cycle challenge, to raise vital funds for the city’s only adult hospice on October 5.
The ride is in memory of Jim’s stepfather, Paul Smith, who received care at St. Peter’s Hospice before sadly passing away in July 2024, aged 63.
Paul was a keen cyclist and member of Thornbury Cycling Club.
"We were incredibly fortunate to spend Paul’s last few days at St. Peter’s Hospice, and we’re truly grateful for the exceptional care he received and the unwavering support our family was given,” said Jim, who now lives in Clevedon and works for Avon Wildlife Trust.
“Paul was the reason I started cycling; he lent me one of his bikes during lockdown and got me hooked. Taking on this ride feels like a meaningful way to honour his memory while raising funds for the hospice that supported us all."
Paul was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer in 2022; after receiving the all-clear in 2023, the disease returned in June 2024, and he sadly passed away just weeks later.
Having taken part in the St Peter’s Hospice Tour de Bristol charity bike ride earlier this year, Jim and Dave are now gearing up to tackle the 1,400km ride through France into Spain.
“Every mile we cover will be in support of the Hospice,” said Dave. “Their work makes a huge difference to local families, and we hope our ride will raise as much as possible to support them.”
Brentry-based St. Peter’s Hospice provides free adult hospice care for people diagnosed with a life-limiting illness and those who care for, and about them.
Support for Jim and Dave’s fundraising effort can be made by visiting their JustGiving page.
