Local charity Phyllis Tuckwell is launching its first Pedal to Paris challenge, to help raise the final amount needed to fund the construction of its much needed new Hospice. This state-of-the-art building will enable Phyllis Tuckwell to care for thousands of local people every year, who are living with an advanced or terminal illness, such as cancer.
The cycling challenge will take place over four days, from 10th to 13th September 2025, and will cover a total distance of approximately 333 kilometres. Setting off from the Hospice site in Farnham, where cyclists and well-wishers will be able to see the amazing progress which has already been made on the building, the route will take participants through Lewes to Newhaven, where, after an overnight hotel stop, they and their bikes will board the ferry to Dieppe. Once the ferry has docked, they’ll be off again, cycling through picturesque countryside and along the Seine into Paris, with nights in hotels in Forges-les-Eaux, Cergy and Paris. The route will include a total climb of around 8,200 feet, with a mixture of level stretches and rolling hills. Once cyclists have arrived, they will enjoy a celebration dinner and their bikes will be transported back to Farnham, and then they will be free to enjoy Paris, making their return journey when and how they wish.
Phyllis Tuckwell is grateful to Cycle4Good (C4G), a non-profit organisation who have planned and arranged the whole trip and kindly have not charged anything for this huge amount of work. The C4G team will accompany the riders throughout the challenge, paying for their own travel, accommodation and food, in order to provide directions, support, bike maintenance and basic spare parts if needed.
“Whether you’re a keen recreational cyclist or are just starting out, this ride is for you!” said Ruth Masters, fundraising manager at Phyllis Tuckwell. “We’ve got spaces for up to 40 people to join us so if you can ride a bike, are willing to take on a challenge and have a passion for Phyllis Tuckwell and the care we provide – then register now! You may have friends, family or colleagues you wish to take part with or maybe you would like to ride for or in memory of someone special to you. Whatever your motivation – you are welcome, and we would love to have you join us. Sign up today for your chance to push yourself, make lasting memories and help build your New Hospice. We would like to say a huge thank you to Cycle for Good for organising this event. Their passion for helping charities to raise money through cycling is inspirational.”
Each cyclist must commit to raising a minimum sponsorship level of £2,000 (self-funding options are also available). Included in the event costs are four nights’ accommodation in a shared room (with the option of paying a supplement for a single room), the ferry crossing to France, food (except any that you purchase on the ferry), soft drinks, snacks and water during the day, transportation of your bike from Paris back to Farnham, support team and vehicles, mechanical support and basic spare parts, and a Phyllis Tuckwell branded cycling jersey.
All of the profit raised through this challenge will go directly towards helping fund building the new Hospice. Once the fundraising total for this has been reached, all further donations received will be spent directly on caring for our patients and their families and carers.
Phyllis Tuckwell needs to recruit a minimum number of cyclists by 31st January 2025 in order for this challenge to go ahead – so please consider signing up now by registering via www.pth.org.uk/pedal-to-paris or emailing pedaltoparis@pth.org.uk to find out more. Equally if you know of a company who would be keen to learn of the corporate sponsorship opportunities connected to this event, please get in touch.