Wiltshire Council charity bike ride returns for 2022

Following a two-year break due to the pandemic, Wiltshire Council's charity cycle-ride will take place once again, this September in memory of the late Councillor Jerry Wickham.

Cyclists from Wiltshire Council will be joined by riders from public sector partners and Landmarc to raise funds for two charities close to Jerry's heart.

This year will mark the third charity ride and takes place on 22 September. Riders hope to match the success of the previous rides in 2018 and 2019, with around £7,000 being raised for various charities so far.

Riders will be participating in either a 30-mile route or a 100-mile route around Wiltshire, both starting and finishing at County Hall, Trowbridge. The final route will be shared on the Just Giving page (opens new window) Charity Bike Ride shortly.

The ride will be in aid of The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity and Dorothy House Hospice. Jerry championed The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity for many years and money donated to them will go directly towards research for Prostate Cancer. Dorothy House Hospice cared for Jerry towards the end of his life.

Terence Herbert, Wiltshire Council Chief Executive said: Jerry was a keen cyclist, and we're delighted to be continuing to honour his memory in this way. He was always striving to help and improve the lives of the people of Wiltshire and the funds we hope to raise will continue to help us and the charities involved to do this.

We look forward to the event and hope to raise as much money for these two great charities. Anyone wishing to donate or find out more about the challenge can do so at www.justgiving.com/team/wiltshirecouncil (opens new window).

I'm looking forward to getting on my bike I'm sure Jerry will be with us on the day, encouraging us up those beautiful Wiltshire rolling hills towards the finishing line!

Cllr Suzanne Wickham, said, The family is honoured that the council has renamed its annual charity bike ride in Jerry's name and delighted that it will once again raise funds for Dorothy House Hospice and The Royal Marsden Cancer Trust - two charities that were dear to Jerry's heart.

Wiltshire-based Landmarc Support Services (Landmarc) is supporting this year's charity ride, having sponsored Cycle Wiltshire events in the past. Chris Ockleton, Landmarc's Regional Operations Manager for the Southwest, who is also participating in the cycle, said: Landmarc is so pleased to be working with Wiltshire Council again this year. As a company, we always like to get involved in our local community, and the charity bike ride is a great initiative to support. It's also an honour for me personally to take part in - raising money and representing Landmarc on my bike, all for a great cause.

People are encouraged to donate what they can and using the Just Giving page (opens new window) people can choose which charity their donation is shared with. The aim is to make donations as even as possible between the two charities.