Alex's story.......

2017 was a big year for me as I lost over 5 stone with Slimming World and got fit!  But I only started riding a road bike because of my friend Julie Harvey who was already super fit! In November 2016 it took everyone by surprise when she was diagnosed with a brain tumour.  As she underwent treatment she did what she always did and grabbed life with two hands and made the best of the situation and amongst other things started fundraising for Brain Tumour Support.  As a keen triathlete already, during 2017 Julie started talking about organising a cycling sportive as part of her fundraising and I knew I had to be there on the start line.  So at the end of the year I bought a road bike and cleats and tried not to fall off too much (it was a steep learning curve!)  In May 2018 after months of training I completed the 55 mile long route of Julie's bike ride and the feeling of elation was indescribable.  I love cycling now and am out on my bike every week and have Julie to thank for giving me that push to give it a go in the first place. 

Unfortunately in October 2018 Julie's cancer was found to have moved to her spine and as it progressed over the next few months St Peter's Hospice gave her and her family so much help and support. Julie spent her last few weeks living at St Peter's Hospice but lost her fight against the cancer in February 2019.  

I had already signed up for Tour de Bristol before Christmas but am now actively fundraising to raise money for St Peter's Hospice in Julie's memory.  

I'm also cycling for my friend Tony who's Mum passed away before Christmas and again St Peter's Hospice was there for their family.  Unfortunately for Tony he's just had his knee replaced so he can't cycle the event on April 6th himself. 

Paul.....

On 11th March having spent the afternoon celebrating Julie's life and saying goodbye to her Paul made the decision to join Alex in this endeavour.   He came home and immediately signed up for Tour de Bristol 100km route much to his wife's surprise.   Paul hasn't cycled 100km since he was 16 (and a bit younger and fitter!) So this is a big challenge for him but we're looking forward to supporting each other around the course. 

St Peter's Hospice is Bristol's ONLY adult hospice caring for local people with life-limiting illnesses. Their commitment is to improve the quality of life of patients while extending care and support to their families and loved ones.  All of their care is provided free of charge, but it costs around £20,000 a day to provide that care. For most of this money they rely on Gifts in Wills, donations, fundraising and their shops.