'Inspirational' effort as 47 riders ride to Palace of Versailles

After four days of wind, rain and climbing some very serious hills, more than 40 determined cyclists have completed an epic ride from Crystal Palace all the way to the Palace of Versailles – and together they’ve already raised almost £150,000 for St Christopher’s Hospice.

Among the team were two of our very own nurses, Clinical Team Leads Katie Grace and Chris Mangar, joined by colleagues from across the hospice including music therapist Seán Kenny, Rehabilitation and Wellbeing Consultant Lead, Helena Talbot Rice, Head of Bereavement Services, Fiona Walkingshaw, and Living Well at Home Volunteer John Firmin. They cycled alongside community members, friends and supporters riding in memory of loved ones cared for by St Christopher’s.

One of those supporters was Nick Green, 54, from West Wickham. Nick took on the challenge in memory of his best friend Steve, who died at St Christopher’s earlier this year. In a moving tribute, Nick completed the ride on Steve’s own bike and has raised almost £5,000 so far.

“I wanted to ride his bike so I could have Steve with me.”
Nick Green

Nick holds Steve's bike aloft at Versaille

“Steve was my best friend,” said Nick. “I was blown away by the care he got at St Christopher’s, it was inspirational to see the staff doing work I could never do and that’s why I took on the cycle.

“Steve fought with grit, determination, and bravery. The fight Steve showed was nothing short of incredible, he refused to give up – his mentality, courage and spirit were beyond inspiring.”

“Steve was a keen cyclist himself and he’d have loved to have done something like this and I wanted to ride his bike so I could have him with me,” he added.

George Moore was riding in memory of his grandad, who was supported by St Christopher’s ten years ago, and Allen Mills rode in memory of his mum, who was on the inpatient unit last Christmas.

The cyclists’ journey began right outside the hospice in Sydenham, taking them through Crystal Palace Park, the Surrey Hills, the Sussex countryside and on to northern France. Medieval market towns, quiet villages and rolling farmland marked their path before finishing triumphantly at the stunning Palace of Versailles.

Former TV doctor, Dr Rosemary Leonard MBE, who has now taken on several of our big challenge rides, took part alongside her son and his partner.

“Your donations help us continue to be there for patients and families when they need us most.”
Katie Grace, Matron

Katie Grace, hospice nurse and Clinical Team Lead (Matron), reflected on why she and her colleagues joined the challenge:

“I’ve worked on the inpatient unit for nine years and every year I see the demand for our services grow,” Katie said. “It’s a privilege to be part of a team that takes on challenges like this, alongside volunteers and supporters, to raise the funds we need.

“Every day we see the difference our care makes to people across south London. By supporting us, you’re helping us continue to be there for patients and families when they need us most.”

How you can help

Thanks to the incredible effort of our riders, St Christopher’s is another step closer to meeting its target to fund end of life and palliative care for our south London community. Every donation counts.

If you’d like to show your support for our cyclists and help us keep caring for local people and families, please donate here.

Support our incredible riders!

Scroll through the gallery below to see our riders in action.