Cyclists from Alvechurch combined pedals, pints and pounds on a sponsored bike ride in support of Acorns Children’s Hospice.
The 70-strong group set off on from The Crown Inn at Withybed Green, Alvechurch, then cycled 22 miles along the towpaths of the canals and the Severn to the Anchor Inn at Diglis Basin, Worcester.
The first Acorns Alvechurch to Worcester bike ride took place eight years ago when local man Malcolm Bennett, who is not a regular cyclist, was challenged to ride the 22 miles.
He agreed, but only if he could take refreshments at various watering holes en route! Several friends joined him and the bet became sponsorship, raising £700 for the children’s charity.
Since then, the event has grown and between 70 and 100 local families were planning to take part in this year’s challenge, which was taking place after The Village went to press. Over the last two years, sponsorship has topped £7,000 and organisers hope that this year’s bike ride will do the same.
“In all, we have raised £26,000 for Acorns over the last seven years,” said Mr Bennett. “We chose to support Acorns because the riders wanted to help children and Acorns provides much-needed help and support for local families.
“We have lots of fun doing the bike ride and make a day out of it, taking a picnic and enjoying a leisurely drink or two along the way.
“The event has become a huge success thanks to the help of lots of people, including great hospitality from the Crown and Anchor Inns, and Broadway Transport who return our bikes to Alvechurch. Midlands Radio Link, Squall Star and Windows Direct also support us each year.”
Acorns has three children’s hospices at Birmingham, Walsall and Worcester. The charity provides respite, emergency and terminal care as well as round-the-clock home-based support for local families, special help for siblings and bereavement counselling.
It costs the charity £4,500 per day per hospice to provide its services, which are free to families. Acorns receives less than 10 per cent of its funding from the government.
If you would like to donate via the cycle appeal, call Malcolm Bennett on 0121 445 4068. For more information on Acorns or to donate direct, call 0121 248 4801.