Supporter set to put in the miles during charity cycle

Every mile cycled will raise funds for a local hospice as a fundraiser prepares to saddle up as part of its charity cycle challenge.

In July, Tony Orfeo will be putting in the miles for St Nicholas Hospice Care when he takes part in their cycle challenge, The Edge, which is sponsored by Atkins Dellow.

Tony is taking on the ride’s 100-mile route in memory of his fiancée Becky’s mother, Dorothy Robertson, who was supported by the Hospice before her death in March and his own mother, who died in February.

Tony said: “The months of February and March this year saw the passing of both my mother and my fiancée Becky’s mother. After passing through the tsunamis of emotion and grief, the remaining feelings and memories of pride and appreciation demand a sharp focus on how lucky we are to wake up each morning and a reminder to make the most of our lives.

“In the memory of, and to celebrate their lives, and to help the amazing hospice which cared and did so much for us. I am challenging myself to raise money for St Nicholas Hospice Care.

“The people in the care profession are often under-appreciated until they are needed. The hospice and the nurses there are amazing. The things they do are filled with care and done with pride to protect the dignity of their patients and to make their ending as comfortable and painless as possible.

“We feel lucky that the Hospice handled everything so perfectly and would wish the same for anyone in that same position. The money raised will help them care and be there for others as their sunsets, to help grieving families during and after.”

Tony expected that it will take him around seven hours to complete his challenge, and he has already begun his training, which, having not cycled for a number of years, will need to be regimented. He plans to start with three hours a week and then build that up to six hours.

As well as taking part in The Edge, Tony and Becky are also arranging a dinner dance to raise further funds. This event will take place on June 24 at 6.30pm in the Freemasons Hall, Bateman Street, Cambridge.

You can support Tony’s fundraising here: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/tony-orfeo 

If you’d like to pull on your helmet for a good cause, registrations for The Edge, which is supported by event partner Maglia Rosso are still open.

The Edge, which takes place on Sunday, 9 July, features five routes (15, 30, 40, 60 or 100-miles) and offers beautiful views of the West Suffolk countryside.

The 15-mile route is suitable for families, and new for this year will be the 40-mile distance which will be an exciting mix of road and track cycling.

For more information and to sign up, visit: https://stnicholashospice.org.uk/news-community/events-listing/the-edge-cycle-ride