Cycle for 75 success

A charity cycle ride in and around Shrewsbury has raised over £2,200 to support vital services and activities for older people across Shropshire.

Riders set off from the Shrewsbury Sports Village and cycled scenic routes for 75km to celebrate Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin’s 75th anniversary. Amongst the cyclists were Alex Wagner, Mayor of Shrewsbury, and Bernie Bentick, Deputy Mayor and Portfolio Holder for Health at Shropshire Council. Councillor Bentick raised £1,208 and played a pivotal role in helping to stage the event.

Councillor Bentick said “I was delighted to have supported Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin, along with colleague and Mayor, Alex Wagner, in its endeavour to raise funds in its 75th year. Not only did the riding group make a contribution towards the £75,000 target, but the event brought together several local cycling organisations, including Cycling UK Shropshire, Sustrans, The Shropshire Cycle Hub and Cycling for All Shropshire, with several participants riding bikes suitable for those with additional needs, all in support of Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin’s befriending mission. We also promoted cycling for all, to improve everyone’s physical and mental health. Many thanks to all our donors, organisers and supporters and I hope that we can repeat the event next year.”

Emma Wilde, Wellbeing Services Manager at Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin, said: “We would like to thank everyone that participated in this event and we are grateful to Salop Leisure, Hockaday Consulting and Shrewsbury Sports Village for their support. Without generous donations and fundraising events like this, we would not be able to provide much needed services for over 20,000 local older people every year.”

Approximately 10,000 older people across Shropshire would describe themselves as ‘deeply lonely’ and we aim to tackle this through our befriending services, day centres and other social activities.

To support Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin you can make a one-off or regular donation via our JustGiving page. If you would prefer to donate by cheque, it should be made payable to Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin and posted or hand-delivered to our office at Bellstone, Shrewsbury.

If you’d like more information about our 75th anniversary appeal, or you’d like to get involved, call Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin’s fundraising team on 01743 233 123 or email fundraising@ageukstw.org.uk