Paul’s epic cycling challenge in support of St Catherine’s Hospice

A solicitor director of a Chorley firm is looking ahead to the biggest challenge of his life when he takes on a 1,000km bike ride across France which culminates in a climb up one of the iconic Tour de France mountains.

Paul Lloyd from Whiteheads Solicitors is one of a team of 14 taking part in the Caen to Alps D’Huez Ride 1000 over seven days in June 2016.

Between them the group have a target of raising £50,000 for various local and national good causes, with Paul picking St Catherine’s Hospice as his chosen charity.

Although Paul has completed several other cycling and endurance events in the past, he said this would be his toughest yet.

Paul said: “I try and complete some kind of challenge each year for charity and have done various different things in the past – from a London to Paris bike ride to the Tough Mudder obstacle course.

“This will certainly be the biggest challenge I’ve done so far. The distance is further than anything I’ve ever covered before and it will culminate with an intense climb up this iconic mountain, covering 21 bends to the summit.

“Luckily we have got plenty of time to prepare and to get some good training under our belts! We’re also looking at taking part in the Clitheroe Triathlon in May which should act as a good warm-up ahead of the challenge.”

Paul, who has worked at Whiteheads for the past 12 years, said he was delighted to be supporting St Catherine’s through the epic ride. All of the money he raises will be used to support the specialised care of the hospice, with costs for travel and accommodation covered by him personally.

The team is also appealing for help with other items including clothing, spares and first aid provisions from relevant businesses interested in showing their support.

Paul said: “We have supported various different charities over the years and when we asked around the office this time St Catherine’s was the name that came up. One of the women who works here has particularly close connections with the hospice because her father was cared for there and spent his final weeks with them. She has nothing but glowing reports about the treatment he’d received.

“It is good to think that I am doing this once-in-a-lifetime challenge for a truly local charity, which provides vital support in the communities where we live and work. I’m very proud to be riding in aid of St Catherine’s.”

Emma Jacovelli, fundraiser at St Catherine’s Hospice, said: “We’re extremely grateful to Paul for choosing to support the hospice with this epic mountain ride.

“It’s sure to be a once in a life-time experience which we hope he relishes and enjoys. We’ll be tracking his progress in June and are sending him and the team lots of luck for the journey.

“St Catherine’s can only be there for the people in our community who need us because of the amazing efforts of people like Paul. All the funds he raises will help us to provide much-needed care for local people when it really matters most.”

To find out more about the Ride 1000 challenge visit www.ride1k.com. To sponsor Paul visit https://www.justgiving.com/Paul-Lloyd6/.

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