Bob Richards, a grandfather from Carnon Downs, is gearing up for a 200 mile charity bike ride to raise money for life-limited children.

The Ride for Precious Lives, organised by Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW), will see Bob journey across three counties via the charity’s three children’s hospices this spring. Bob raised over £1800 last year by taking part in this cycling marathon and would love to raise even more money for CHSW this year.

Bob, 63, said: “My training schedule consists so far of a couple of twelve mile rides to try out a newly serviced bike but over the next few weeks I aim to increase the mileage and the time.

“Some of the participants are regular fanatics doing fifty milers ten times a week, or so it seems, and then there are others, like me, who are not ashamed to walk up the occasional hill, have a chat along the way and take it easy, admire the view and enjoy the whole experience.”

“It isn’t a race… that’s the main thing to remember. There are no prizes for being first over the line. Getting to the finish and raising as much cash as you can are the two main aims.

Ride for Precious Lives is now in its fifth successive year, having raised over £250,000 for Children’s Hospice South West during that time.

This year’s event will be held over three days from Friday, June to Sunday, June 9. The ride will start at Little Harbour hospice near St Austell, passing Little Bridge House hospice near Barnstaple before finishing at Charlton Farm hospice near Bristol.

There are only a few spaces left for this year’s Ride for Precious Lives. Find out more and register online now at www.chsw.org.uk/rfpl or phone 01726 871800.