Riverside send-off riders on gruelling 800-mile charity bike ride

Home news

May 31, 2019

Residents and team members at Riverside played their part in a nationwide fundraising drive as part of Care UK’s pledge to raise thousands of pounds for three important charities through an initiative called Ride 800. 

Andrew Knight, chief executive of residential care, Jacqui White, marketing director, and Tony Weedon, strategic programme director, visited 26 homes as part of an 800-mile challenge.  

Riverside care home, on Manchester Road, was the 17th stop on the ride, which saw the riders spend 15 days out on the road. They cycled from Poole to Aberdeen – the locations of Care UK’s most southerly and northerly homes – to raise money for the Care Workers Charity, the Alzheimer’s Society and Alzheimer Scotland.

The care home team put on a warm welcome for the intrepid cyclists with a red carpet and silver service reception, and entertainment provided by a saxophonist. As well as hosting a celebratory event for the Ride 800 team and raising £150 for charity, residents at the home also decorated a bicycle with a music theme and covered the entire bike with sheets of music and a record player, drum kit and mini-keyboard attached. In addition, team members Hayley, Helen and Matt joined the three directors on one of the ride stages.

Residents who wanted to relive old cycling memories were also given a chance to have a go on the supported cycle which was transported around all of the 26 homes. The supported cycle allows two people to cycle side by side with only one rider having to pedal.

Once the gruelling 800-mile ride is over, the directors will present the supported cycle to the home that they think did the best themed decorated bike.

Commenting on the residents’ involvement in Care UK’s Ride 800 initiative, Michaela O'Brien, home manager at Riverside said: “It’s not every day that your care home residents get a visit from three directors who arrive on cycles dressed head to toe in lycra! We had a wonderful time talking to them and residents shared their own memories of cycling.”

Andrew Knight said: “Even though all three of us have been putting in the training hours, I think it’s fair to say that the reality of such a challenge became very real very quickly, and it’s been a true test of our endurance both mentally and physically. A big motivating factor has been the inspiring efforts of the homes we are visiting and their creativity and energies in planning special fund-raising events and activities. Residents and our colleagues are well known for their warm and friendly welcomes which has been key to keeping our motivation levels high and I’d like to say thank you to everyone in the 26 homes, and our Colchester support office, for joining in with our fundraising so enthusiastically.”