I’m fundraising for Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin as they celebrate their 75th anniversary. Their mission to combat loneliness and isolation among local older people is close to my heart because of the unhappiness they bring, leading to poor mental and physical health and sometimes premature death in those who have no-one to turn to.

I’ve seen first hand how loneliness can affect older people, and I want to help make a difference. That’s why I’m participating in a fundraising 75Km bike ride, hoping that lots of people will participate or donate generously.

I'm also keen to encourage older people to start or resume cycling in local groups to maintain their physical and mental health, to choose Active Travel ways of getting around Shrewsbury and Shropshire and to help the Climate Change Crisis by leaving their cars at home for short journeys. There are new designs of bike for all abilities and those with additional needs and I hope that people with these newer design bikes will join us for the event.

The Bike Ride will start and finish at The Shrewsbury Sports Village in Sundorne on Sunday 28th September 2025 from 9am and all adults are welcome, particularly senior citizens.

My colleague and Shrewsbury Mayor Alex Wagner will also take part and ride a standard road bike on the day, while I will use a hybrid electric assisted bike, to compensate for my advanced years and we expect to have lots of fun. It is not a race.

We're also extremely grateful for the support of The Public Health Team at Shropshire Council, Cycling UK Shropshire, The Shropshire Cycle Hub (and their Cycling 4 All team) and Sustrans Shropshire.

We hope that many Shrewsbury and Shropshire businesses and other organisations will lend their support.

So please register for the ride now or give what you can to this Just Giving Page to help our local Age UK Charity to continue improving the lives of our local, lonely older people.

With best wishes, Bernie.

Portfolio Holder for Health and Public Protection at Shropshire Council

Deputy Mayor at Shrewsbury Town Council

Senior Citizen