People urged to take part in virtual sportive for Compton Care
A hospice in Wolverhampton has urged people to take on a virtual version of a much-loved cycling event amid a drop in income.
Fundraising chiefs at Compton Care made the plea after events were cancelled due to coronavirus – including Banks's Round the Wrekin Sportive.
Hundreds of cyclists from across the West Midlands had been expected to take part on May 17, with the cancellation having an impact on the charity.
But now the hospice has called on people to take on a virtual version of the sportive – or any other event – to support them.
Dawn Smith, event fundraiser at Compton Care, said: "In line with Government advice we had to take the unfortunate decision to cancel our fundraising events, including our annual Banks’s Round the Wrekin Sportive, which always proves to be extremely popular.
"This would have been the fifth year we’ve hosted the sportive and we’ve wasted no time in getting to work right away planning next year’s event.
"We look forward to sharing details of this with our wonderful supporters in due course.
"In the meantime, we’d love those who were due to take part in the event to take on our virtual challenge series.
"This is a great way for anyone that was planning to undertake a challenge this year, to now undertake it virtually and raise funds to support our work.
"We want people to join Team Compton and turn their hobbies into a sponsored challenge to enable us to keep everyday extraordinary for those accessing our services."
It comes after Wolverhampton cycling legend Hugh Porter called on people to tackle the routes – either the 100-mile Banks's Epic, the 55-mile Compton Care Classic or the 27-mile Hugh Porter Challenge.
People can take on the challenge over a few days at home or through their daily exercise while following Government guidelines.
Mr Porter, a patron of the charity, added: "We want everyone to take part in the virtual Banks's Round the Wrekin Sportive.
"If people are still thinking of doing it then I would urge them to take part and take on whichever distance – you can do it over a few days too.
"And if people are prepared to cover one of the distances and take part – even if they can't complete it – it would be a great act of support for Compton Care.
"It would be amazing if we could raise any amount for them."
To sign up and take part, visit https://givepenny.com/event/cycling-challenge-
