A POPULAR charity event returned to its sweet home in Basingstoke as more than 500 cyclists took part in 'Big Wheel'.
Big wheels kept on turning on Sunday, June 1, as hundreds of participants cycled through the countryside to raise vital funds for St. Michael’s Hospice (North Hampshire).
Following a five-year hiatus, Big Wheel, the charity’s popular cycling event, saw cyclists take on between 10 and 79 miles across Hampshire and Surrey countryside, raising more than £50,000.
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And the skies were so blue as families and friends gathered at the War Memorial Park to show their support and enjoy the feel-good atmosphere, with ice creams, face painting, food, hot drinks and a bar – cheering on the cyclists as they returned from their challenge.
Becky Legate, events manager at St. Michael’s Hospice, said: "After a five-year break, Big Wheel returned at the weekend and it was a fantastic day.
"It was great to see more than 500 fundraisers take on the challenge. We had groups of friends and families of all ages taking part– everyone did so well and we couldn’t be more grateful for their support.
"We’d also like to say a huge thank you to the amazing volunteers and suppliers who helped us on the day, and to Finli, who headline sponsored the event.
"It was great to see our community come together to raise vital funds for St. Michael’s and make this a real success.’ St. Michael’s Hospice provides its care for free but receives only 22 per cent statutory funding to run its services.
"This means the charity needs to raise an additional £14,500 a day to care for people across North Hampshire who have life-limiting illnesses, need end-of-life care, or bereavement support."
