Torquay housebuilder's cycling team prepares for 225-mile charity ride

A team of eight cyclists from Cavanna Homes are preparing to saddle up for Children’s Hospice South West’s (CHSW) Ride for Precious Lives cycling challenge.

It will be the fourth time the housebuilder has completed the three-day, 225-mile fundraiser which will start in St Austell and finish in Bristol this year.

Michael Newman, director of land and design, will be leading the firm’s largest team to date.

“This is the fourth time we’ve taken on this epic cycling challenge, and we now regard it as a must-do fundraiser! It’s fantastic to have even more people sign up and join in, all for a great cause.

“As if the ride wasn’t hard enough, I’ve set myself an added hurdle of completing the event on the bike I rode as a teenager! I’ve dug it out of my shed and have been restoring it over the past few months,” said Michael.

Since 2019, Cavanna Homes has partnered with CHSW as its charity of the year and in that time has raised more than £80,000.

The cycling team are determined to reach their fundraising target of £10,000 to support the charity’s work in caring for children with life-limiting conditions, and their families across the South West.

“CHSW is a wonderful charity who do an exceptional job in caring for poorly children and offering much-needed support and respite for their families. We’re really proud to continue showing them our support and we’re hoping to raise even more money for them this year as part of our centenary celebrations”, added Michael.

The three-day challenge begins on Friday, July 7, in St Austell and will see riders covering between 65 and 80 miles each day as they head north towards Bristol. The route will take the cyclists past three of CHSW’s hospices - Little Harbour in Cornwall, Little Bridge House in North Devon and Charlton Farm in Somerset.

Kiley Pearce, events fundraiser and organiser of Ride for Precious Lives at CHSW, said: “Cavanna Homes has been a huge supporter of Ride for Precious Lives for many years and last year was recognised for its long-standing contribution to the event by winning the team award.

“We are so thankful to them for their continuous time and effort which makes a huge difference to over 500 children, young people and their families who currently use our three children’s hospices.

“We are delighted that this year there will be eight employees taking part and we continue that journey alongside them.”

To support Cavanna Homes’ cycling team and to donate to CHSW, visit the fundraising page at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/cavanna-homes