Sue Ryder volunteer to tackle 286-mile bike ride in husband’s memory

Barbara Rojek, 60, from Market Deeping, will be saddling up for Sue Ryder this June, pedalling from London to Paris in her husband's memory. Barbara's husband, Chris, was cared for at Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice in Peterborough in the final days of his life.

She hopes that by going the extra miles, she can raise vital funds for the hospice, where she also volunteers. Barbara said: "Chris and I got together in 2002 and married in 2006. He was diagnosed with lung cancer that had spread to his brain, stomach, and spine while we were in France on a career break.

"We were three months in when it started with a shoulder injury. We went to the hospital, and they diagnosed him within a day. When we returned to England, there was lots of to-ing and fro-ing to the hospital. He managed to keep his sense of humour, but it was a horrendous five and a half weeks.

"Chris was only at the hospice for five days before he died in April 2019. The care and consideration from the hospice for both Chris and I was exceptional," she added. Just months after Chris' death, Barbara began volunteering in the Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice gardens, which she has done for the last five years.

She also joined a cycling club and is now taking her hobby to the next level, taking on a charity cycle challenge to remember Chris while further supporting Sue Ryder. "I need to set myself goals, even now. I did an Iceland trek in November 2021, raising funds for Sue Ryder with my sister for her 60th and I loved it.

"I decided to cycle from London to Paris to mark my 60th year and to raise money for Sue Ryder in Chris' memory. There are others from my cycling group going, which is great, and 20 people cycling altogether. I didn't want birthday presents so everyone is putting into my fundraising pot.

"The ride takes place over four days. You do 81 miles, then 72, 76, and 57, but there are a lot of hills! It's a big challenge for me, but I'm determined. Doing physical training has been helping me since I lost Chris. Three weeks ago, I went to Majorca on a five-day training camp, which was my first time travelling on my own. Since that trip, I've been to Lanzarote for three days, training with my coach, Sam.

"We leave for Paris on 13 June, and I want to raise as much as I can for Sue Ryder. They helped Chris, but they really helped me, too," Barbara added. Barbara hopes to raise £1,000 for Sue Ryder and is already more than halfway towards her target.

To donate, visit the website here.

If you feel inspired to take on a challenge for Sue Ryder, get in touch on 01733 225 999 or email: thorpe.fundraising@sueryder.org

Location: Market Deeping in Lincolnshire