Fundraiser geared up for once-in-a-lifetime challenge

Keen cyclist Paul Lloyd is one of a team of 14 taking part in the Caen to Alps D’Huez Ride 1000 over seven days in a bid to raise £50,000 for a number of charities The solicitor director of Whiteheads Solicitors in Chorley will be donating his sponsorship to St Catherine’s Hospice in Lostock Hall.

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!”

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.

Paul added: “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.

“We’ll be tracking his progress 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/.