Peter's 76 miles aged 76 - to help Leeds area hospice

Like many charities, Wakefield Hospice has suffered from decreased funding due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

So Peter Taylor, a keen cyclist aged 76 who recently underwent knee surgery, cycled a total 84 miles in one day to raise funds, from his village of Notton, near Wakefield.

Money he has raised will help the great work done by the hospice to continue.

Peter’s journey took him on a tour of Brierley, Hooton Pagnell, Campsall, Wentbridge, Pontefract, Castleford, Stanley, Wrenthorpe, Ossett, Dewsbury, Horbury Bridge, Grange Moor, Shelley, Ingbirchworth, Silkstone Common, Worsborough, Stairfoot, and Royston.

He said: “As a past volunteer of the hospice I know how many fundraising activities they’ve had to forego this year due to the virus. As it was their 30th anniversary in April I wanted to do my bit for them.

"Some of the route was on canal banks, the Trans-Pennine Trail, and old railway lines. There were two serious hill-climbs on the route.

“I have only recently got back to fitness after a knee replacement, but was fuelled by bananas and my wife’s currant teacakes!”

Peter originally hoped to raise £760, but hit that target quickly and has now doubled that figure, raising £1,700 to date.

To spur him on, Peter’s two grandsons, Alex, 11, and Ben, nine, each cycled 38 miles around their home town of Oxford.

Director of income generation, Helen Knowles, said “Peter was a real asset to the hospice when he was a volunteer and we’re touched that he wanted to do something to support us further.”

To add your support, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/peter-taylor71