Weston bikers roll for hospice

Motorbike enthusiasts from Weston-super-Mare and the surrounding area are being invited to join a fundraising ride for charity.

Fred's Hospice Run is being organised for the third year running by keen bikers Lyn and Roger Cox to raise funds for Weston Hospicecare.

The event takes place on April 19 from Sandford to Burrington Coombe, the Mendips to Cheddar, along to East Brent and ends in Weston-super-Mare.

Riders will meet at 11am and leave Sandford at 1pm to arrive at Weston promenade in the afternoon.

All the bikes will then be parked along the seafront and organisers hope to beat last year's record of 247 participating bikers.

They are also hoping to smash the 2008 fundraising amount of £7,000 for Weston Hospicecare.

Lyn, who lives in Sandford, said: "We decided to organise the run in memory of my brother, Malcolm, who was known to most people as Fred, hence the name of the ride.

"He had amazing care at the hospice.

"He's probably looking down thinking this is a good thing to do.

"Fred was a keen biker in the Sixties and used to ride a Triumph Bonneville.

"Roger, myself and all the family were very impressed and comforted by the tranquil environment that has been created at Jackson Barstow House in Weston.

"We would like to invite anyone along who would like to show their support."

The run will be marshalled by the Weston-super-Mare Motorcycle Action Group and the family are grateful to popular biker haunt Scally's in the seaside town for its help and support last year.

A raffle of prizes, including biker gear and alcohol, will be held before the run starts, and a hot food van will sell treats at the Greenhill Road start.

Entry to Fred's Run costs £5, and all proceeds go to Weston Hospicecare.

The charity offers specialist palliative care for people and their families living with life-threatening illnesses.

Each year it touches the lives of several thousand people living inNorth Somerset and Somerset.

Penny Beare, fundraising and communications manager for Weston Hospicecare said: "I think this is a great way of fundraising and looks set to be a very memorable event.

"I would like to thank Lyn and Roger for choosing to support the hospice and would like to encourage people from Weston and the surrounding area to show their support on the day too."

To find out more about the event or for details on how to take part, call Lyn or Roger on 01934 853023 or visit www.fredsrun.info.

For details about fundraising for Weston Hospicecare, call the hospice's fundraising team on 01934 423960 or take a look at www.westonhospicecare.org.uk.