From Bude back to Torquay: Cavanna Homes pair cycle four counties for hospice cause

Two Cavanna Homes colleagues have successfully completed a 262-mile cycling challenge across the Westcountry, raising over £5,000 for the firm’s Charity Partner, Children’s Hospice South West which it has supported since 2019. 

The ride, which took place over three days, saw Ben Rowntree and Michael Newman visit all eight of the housebuilder’s live development sites across Cornwall, Somerset, Dorset and Devon.

It concluded on Monday September 15 at its Head Office in Torquay, where they were welcomed back by their families and colleagues. 

The route began on Saturday September 13 at Bellevue - Cavanna Homes’ community in Bude - and saw the pair head east towards its developments in Holsworthy (Market Place), Bickington (Bickington Park) and North Molton (Hollywell Meadow) in North Devon. They also visited families, children and staff at Little Bridge House, the charity’s hospice in Fremington. 

Read next: Nine Torquay businesses face closure in Union Square redevelopment

On day two, Ben and Michael made their way from Taunton to Wembdon (Centenary Heights) and then onto Crossways (Warmwell Rise) near Dorchester, before overnighting in Bridport to recharge for the final day. On their return journey, the duo checked in at sites Equinox and Elm Park in Exeter, and completed the ride at Cavanna Homes’ headquarters in Torquay. 

On completion of the ride, Ben said: “Crossing the finish line after three days in the saddle was an incredible feeling. The weather has been particularly challenging over the weekend - as have some of the hills - but knowing the difference we were making to the lives of the children and families supported by CHSW, kept us going. We’re very proud to play a small part in helping them to continue delivering vital care.”

Michael added: “The encouragement and support we have received has been phenomenal. From the CHSW team who saw us off from Bellevue on Saturday morning, and the children and families who came out to see us at Little Bridge House, right through to our colleagues who transported our bags and kit between overnight stops - we couldn’t have done it without any of them!”

Daniela Hopkins, Area Fundraiser for Children’s Hospice South West said: “We’re incredibly grateful to Ben and Michael from Cavanna Homes for putting themselves through their paces, taking on the epic 'Tour de Cavanna Sites' cycling challenge in support of Children’s Hospice South West. Their ongoing determination and generosity will help us continue providing vital care for more than 500 families across the South West.

"It costs more than £14 million each year to keep our three hospices open, and every penny raised helps us be there for babies, children and young people with life-limiting conditions, and their families, completely free of charge. Thank you for helping us make the most of short and precious lives.”

In 2023, staff at Cavanna Homes unanimously voted to make CHSW its Charity Partner, pledging an ongoing commitment to fundraising through events such as an annual corporate golf day, themed lunches, bake sales and dress down days.