Severn Hospice is with families from the moment they're referred to its care for as long as they need it, and it does this every day, all day for anyone in Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin and Mid Wales who needs that help.

Staff and residents of Stiperstones Court, a McCarthy Stone Retirement Living Plus development in Shrewsbury, are undertaking a mammoth cycling challenge in aid of their local hospice.

The challenge sees staff and residents of Stiperstones Court in Abbey Foregate cycling the 837 miles from Land’s End to John O’Groats, all without leaving the development. They expect to complete the distance in eight weeks, raising money throughout for local charity, Severn Hospice.

Volunteers are taking it in turns to saddle up on a static exercise bike in the Stiperstones Court function room, with people from every age getting involved. So far, six residents and 10 staff members have geared up for the challenge.

Joleen Hayes, a 91-year-old resident who has lived at Stiperstones Court since 2017, rode the ceremonial first kilometre. Commenting on why she wanted to get involved she said: “I’ve not ridden a bike for years, but when Vanessa mentioned the challenge, I immediately wanted to get involved. It’s certainly for a worthwhile cause.”

The charity endeavour was the brainchild of Stiperstones Court Estate Manager, Vanessa Turner. A beloved resident was supported by Severn Hospice last year before sadly passing away from cancer, and so Vanessa, the staff and fellow residents all agreed that this was a fitting charity and a worthy challenge to honour her memory.

Reflecting on why she wanted to tackle the impressive feat, Vanessa said: “The distance sounds intimating, but when we all work together, I know we can achieve it! It also strengthens our vibrant community and helps beat the January blues. Helping our local hospice, who we have a close relationship with, made perfect sense.”

Another resident of Stiperstones Court, Mr Graham Peterson, has kindly donated the exercise bike, and staff have set-up chairs for spectators to provide moral support as well as a radio for entertainment.