Keen supporters signed up for this year’s ride, which was the first organised charity event the hospice has been able to run in more than a year due to COVID-19.

Previous Cycle Spring rides set off from Chasewater, but this year’s event started and finished at St Giles Hospice, in Whittington for the first time ever and featured COVID-compliant measures, including staggered starting times, to ensure the safety of all riders.

Starting at 7.30am, 430 riders in socially-distanced groups of up to six people set off to enjoy one of three new routes of varying difficulty through the beautiful Staffordshire countryside.

Organisers hope the 2021 event will hit a record Cycle Spring fundraising total, with more than £20,000 pledged so far this year to help fund hospice care.

Chloe Herbert, Head of Fundraising at St Giles Hospice, said: “We’re absolutely overwhelmed by the support we’ve received from our wonderful Cycle Spring fundraisers this year and are thrilled that so many supporters signed up to join in. The enthusiasm they showed at being able to take part again was truly inspiring.

“In 2020, the Coronavirus pandemic forced us to cancel our events and close our shops - which was heart-breaking - and it significantly impacted on our income, so the kindness and generosity of our supporters is more vital to us than ever this year.

“A lot of people raising a small amount can make a huge difference to the care we’re able to provide in our community and every little bit of sponsorship makes a major contribution to supporting local people living with a terminal illness and their families.”

Chloe added that cycling events run by St Giles Hospice had raised more than £250,000 since they were launched in 2013.

“This was such an important moment for the hospice and we'd like to thank everyone who took part in Cycle Spring this week and everyone who has supported us in past years - it was wonderful to welcome back so many familiar faces,” she said.

“And if you weren’t able to make it to Cycle Spring – or enjoyed it so much that you’d like to take part again – don’t forget to look out for details of Cycle Autumn, which is set to take place on Sunday 5th September this year.”

For more information about St Giles Hospice and the expert care it provides, please visit www.stgileshospice.com