Chesterfield hospice appeals for pedal power

The number of patient contacts at Ashgate Hospice, on Ashgate Road, Old Brampton, Chesterfield, has risen by nearly a quarter in the last year and referrals to its Hospice at Home service have rocketed by nearly 75per cent.

Director of Fundraising and Marketing Esther Preston said more families across north Derbyshire are affected by the diagnosis of life-limiting illnesses and she is urging more fundraisers to help meet this challenge.

She said: “We believe every patient should have access to the highest quality of palliative and end-of-life care, but as demand for our services increases so does the amount of money we need to raise.

“It’s a huge challenge but I know businesses and people of north Derbyshire will help us.”

The annual Flagg Challenge, on Sunday, July 27, provides cyclists of all abilities a chance to give something back to the charity that provides free services to very ill patients and their families.

The hospice costs £6.5m a year to run of which £4 must come from donations and fundraising to survive.

Ms Preston, who has been inspired by the hospice’s quality of care and feels passionately about its work, added: “Ashgate has fabulous supporters - but we really need more.”

Fundraisers for the JE James and DT Flagg Cycle Challenge can use pedal power to raise cash for Ashgate Hospice while enjoying a beautiful ride round the Peak District.

The 2014 event offers 55, 25 and 10milers and hopes to raise thousands of pounds for the Chesterfield-based hospice.

It starts at the hospice from 9am, on Sunday, July 27, and returns after completing a route of the Peak. Riders will be treated to a map, marshalls, sponsor forms and refreshments and a route with landmarks and views. The 55 miler takes riders to Flagg, Birchover, Rowsley and the Chatsworth Estate. The 25 miler goes via Cutthorpe, to Baslow, up to Curbar and to Ashford-in-the-Water before returning through Pilsley to Baslow and via Old Brampton. The 10 miler goes from the hospice via Cutthorpe and towards Baslow before returning via Brampton. Chesterfield’s JE James is providing refreshments and a Specialzed-brand bike as a raffle prize.

Entry costs £20 via http://www.ashgatehospicevents.co.uk/bike/bike.htm, or by cheque to Ashgate Hospice, Ashgate Rd, Chesterfield, Derbyshire S42 7JD. For details contact [email protected], Emily Evans on 01246 568801, or DT’s Jon Cooper at [email protected] and 01246 504524. Volunteer marshals can also call Emily and Jon.