Pedal power – Bedford’s Fajr Cycling Club raises thousands for Sue Ryder

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Members of the Fajr Cycling Club in Bedford hopped on their bikes for a special 100km charity challenge, raising over £5,350 for Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice.

Five of the club’s members, Noor D’Agostino, Ali Amin, Habib Charfare, Mehraj Shah and Muneeb Magre pedalled from Bedford’s Embankment to Cambridge on Saturday, March 19  – a total distance of over 100km.

Wearing blue and white Sue Ryder vests, they took a route through the Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire countryside and completed their sponsored challenge in just under five hours.

They raised a total of £5,350 for the hospice near Bedford, which cares for local people with life-limiting conditions.

Noor D’Agostino, a member of the Fajr Cycling Club, said: “We are really pleased with the amount of money we have been able to raise for Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice.

“Our cycling club started around five years ago. We would meet after the early morning prayer at our local mosque in Bedford, and thought it would be a good idea to go for a cycle ride afterwards. We are friends who enjoy cycling and being out in the countryside – that’s what’s important to us.

“We have raised funds for charities before through our cycling, including for various international causes. This year, we decided we wanted to raise money for a local charity. We were inspired to support the hospice as a friend was cared for there in November. We have seen first-hand the great work Sue Ryder does and we know the hospice relies on donations. It deserves every single penny people raise for it and more.

“Thank you to all the staff and volunteers at Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice for the support and care they give to local people. Thank you also to everyone who sponsored our challenge. We are really glad we were able to inspire people to donate.”

Fellow club member, Habib Charfare added, “In addition to the end of life care and support Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice provides, we also really appreciate their support to breast cancer patients with their lymphoedema service. We are glad to support the hospice.”

Hayley Webb, Community Fundraising Manager at Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice, said: “Thank you so much to the members of the Fajr Cycling Club in Bedford for raising an incredible £5,350 for our hospice and congratulations on completing your challenge. Our compassionate care relies on the generosity of super supporters like you raising vital funds for us. Your support makes all the difference. It means we can be there for more families when it matters, helping them fill their precious last days with love and care.”

If you’re feeling inspired to follow Fajr Cycling Club’s lead, why not jump in the saddle and take on the London to Brighton challenge for Sue Ryder?

You can support the Fajr Cycling Club’s challenge through JustGiving.

Find out more about Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice at sueryder.org/stjohns

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