MORE than 1,100 cyclists saddled up on Sunday for St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth’s thrilling Tour de Moor challenge across Dartmoor, conquering craggy kilometres and raising funds for the charity’s compassionate end-of-life care.
In glorious sunshine, the community-spirited riders of all ages and abilities proudly donned their azure-branded T-shirts to turn the moor blue in support of the vital services St Luke’s provides for local families affected by terminal illness.
Negotiating the rugged wilds of the moor, 686 participants pitted their two-wheel skills against the toughest, hill-filled terrain for 52km, while 237 took it down a gear for the brand new 33km Granite and Gears Cycle Trail route, and another 138 opted for a gentler, family-friendly 11km ride along the tarmac paths of Drake’s Trail.
One of St Luke’s flagship annual events, every £1,000 raised by Tour de Moor represents a full package of specialist care at home, free of charge, for one patient and their family on the charity’s patch which reaches across Plymouth and out to more rural areas around Tavistock, Dartmoor and the South Hams.
In previous years it’s often been a battle of mud, along with the sweat and gears, but apart from a few splashy puddles this year’s challenge was more about keeping hydrated in unusually warm temperatures above 20C.
Amid the throng of keen riders were many taking part to pay tribute to a loved one who was looked after by St Luke’s at the end of their life.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
High-scoring arcade is taken to the next level
‘ARCADE SU A HIT THAT IT HAS EXPANDED
NATIONAL SERVICE
GYABI HELPS ENGLAND U2I1S TO A DRAW IN NETHERLANDS
Figueiredo clings onto dreams of a return for Daley
THE woman who coached Tom Daley to Olympic gold says she is daring to dream about the retired diver making a comeback at the Los Angeles Games in 2028.
Cherry Tree see a faultless start ended by Legends
AFTER 16 consecutive successes to their start to life in the Plymouth City Super League Division B, Cherry Tree D finally ended on the wrong side of a defeat as Legends Lounge were 7-4 winners.
Farmers out in force at protest against new tax
THE Government has been accused of dealing a \"hammer blow\" to farmers as 13,000 people protested in Whitehall over the Budget's impact on farming.
Migrant jailed over rape of 15-year-old
A MIGRANT who was granted asylum in the UK after several attempts to deport him has been jailed for more than 10 years over the rape of a 15-yearold girl.
US long-range missiles fired at Russia - Moscow
UKRAINE fired six American-supplied longer-range missiles at Russia's Bryansk region, Moscow said yesterday, in what would be Kyiv's first use of the weapons inside Russia in 1,000 days of war.
MPs speak out on water rebate call
GOVERNMENT DECISION ON £50 REBATE SPARKS VIEWS
City's new wine store stocks up for Christmas
DAILY WINE TASTINGS, WITH TASTING NOTES AND EXPERT ADVICE
Six greyhounds looking for their forever homes
SOME HAVE WAITED FOR TWO YEARS
