Gordons announces return of Wharfedale Ton charity cycling event for Bradford’s Marie Curie Hospice

Local businesses and individual cyclists are being urged to sign up for the return of the Wharfedale Ton charity ride on Friday, September 17, which will raise vital funds for the Marie Curie Hospice in Bradford.

The charitable event, organised by Gordons, has raised £51,500 since its inception in 2016. It was the idea of Gordons employment partner, Philip Paget, to create an annual 100-mile charity cycling event involving business professionals riding through the beautiful Yorkshire countryside.

Since then, the event has grown from 120 cyclists in 2016, to more than 270 who rode the route across Wharfedale from Ilkley to York and back again in 2019. Despite The Wharfedale Ton being cancelled last year due to the pandemic, more than £8,000 was still raised for Marie Curie, thanks to corporate sponsors and riders honouring their donations.

Gordons employment partner, Philip Paget, commented: “It’s always fantastic to see so many business people from around Yorkshire getting on their bikes to take on the challenge for such a great cause, and we’re so pleased to be able to ride again this year.

“We’re very grateful to the support provided by our sponsors, because without them the Wharfedale Ton would not be as successful as it is. We’re hoping this event will continue to grow and attract the same high level of interest it has in the past, especially with the excellent feedback we’ve had from those who have taken part before.

“The Marie Curie Hospice provides a range of services for terminally ill people and their families in Bradford, so we are very pleased to be able to continue support the hospice in this way.”

Entrants are invited to ride alone, in pairs or in groups, with many taking part who have never ridden the 100-mile distance before. It takes an average of six to eight hours to complete the challenge, after which all participants rest their limbs and join each other for some food and drink in Ilkley.

The entry fee is £31.50, which includes a charitable donation of £30 per rider, all of which is given to the chosen charity plus a processing fee of £1.50. Riders are also encouraged to raise additional donations from friends, colleagues, customers and suppliers.

Philip Paget added: “I’m really proud of those who take part each year, not only for their efforts during the rides, but also those who donate so generously for such a good cause.

“After the disappointment of not being able to ride and being aware of the challenges charities faced last year, we’re all excited to be getting back on our bikes to raise some much-needed funds.”

Corporate sponsors of the event include RSM, Lloyds Bank, Calder World of Travel, Naylor Wintersgill, Lishmans the Butcher, Craven Jewellers, Roberts Mart & Co, Reed Boardall, Arena Group, Brook-Dobson Brear, Pavers, Melrose Textile Co and Thorpe Mill.

You can find out more about the event and how to enter here.