'I love to see the smile on people's faces': Olympians host seventh Round the Wrekin bike ride

Compton Care's Round the Wrekin cycle fundraiser returned on Sunday marking the seventh year of the event.

Last year's ride saw more than 400 supporters take part and raise more than £32,000 to help fund the charity's work supporting people with life limiting conditions and their families in the local community.

This year, the turnout exceeded 540 people of all ages, shapes and gearing up for one of three routes for all abilities.

Starting from Dudley Kingswinford Rugby Club in Kingswinford, the Hugh Porter Challenge is a 27-mile route touring quiet lanes through Badger and Beckbury and is suitable for cyclists aged 11 and older, while the Compton Care Classic is a 62-mile route offering big descents and beautiful scenery for those aged 16 and older.

Finally, for those brave enough, there is The Epic, the ultimate 100-mile challenge that takes seasoned cyclists deep into the Shropshire countryside, featuring a new climb over the Long Mynd and the Wrekin.

The day was enjoyed by everyone, including an 83-year old from Wolverhampton Racing Club who earned a medal, as well as an 11-year old who competed in the 21-mile race.

Hugh Porter, patron of Compton Care and former Olympic cyclist, relished hosting the event as well as handing out medals to all the riders who completed the three courses, alongside his wife, fellow Compton Care patron and Olympian Anita Lonsbrough.

Hugh says all three of the routes had a good turnout, with the 62-mile drawing the most applicants.

"It is such an important and special event," said the 84-year-old. "It is a complete representation of everyone wanting to have a go and raise money for Compton Care.

"It is a beautiful day, the weather is perfect and the atmosphere here is wonderful. Family and friends are sharing stories and experiences with each other and cheering on the cyclists, and everyone is taking part for a reason.

"We have music on in the background, and I'm on the microphone.

"I did take part for the first five years of the event, but I thought I was better suited hosting and giving out medals in the start and finish village.

"My wife Anita and I get a sensational kick out of it every year, it is very pleasing for us both to give out medals. We love it, as competitors and Olympians who have been very fortunate to stand on a podium and get a medal presented to us, we get to do that for others now.

"The whole day is an opportunity for people to share their experiences. Friendships are made wherever people are standing and watching, there is lots of camaraderie. We meet lots of people every year who are raising money for lost loved ones, and those with problems themselves."

Anita, a former Team GB swimmer, said: "Compton Care as a whole is so important to us. It looks after so many people, and it is important that we raise money for them to carry on what they do. We have our own loved ones who have been cared for by them, as do many of the people here.

"This is a great occasion for people to enjoy themselves, getting together and getting fit while raising money for Compton Care which is a magnificent association.

"There is a lovely atmosphere of people coming in and sharing their stories. One gentleman told me he is going for his fifth round of chemotherapy tomorrow. People are taking on such challenges and take today as an opportunity to enjoy time with others while raising money. Everybody loves the countryside around here too!

"It is lovely to see everybody around on a lovely sunny day, cheering others on."

Hugh added: "I love that people realise the importance of raising money for Compton Care and they come back and do it every year, we always have newcomers and always have a super day.

"I love to see the smiles on people's faces and to present the medals to them when they complete the distance.

"We get wonderful feedback about the professionalism and the organisation of the event, and that feedback is a testimony to the hard work that is put in by the organisers.

"Anita and I are giving back all the great things that sport has done for us, and this event does that for all of us."