A bit of an introduction

This blog follows the training efforts of CEO and Team Pilgrims member Steve Auty. Although the blog is updated by myself, words professing to be Steve's are indeed his own (including his impressive mileage claims which are true to the best of my knowledge!). We would love to hear from anyone who is also participating in our Cycle Challenges this year, whether you are taking part in the 70 mile route or the smaller 15 mile routes being held in each Hospice town (Canterbury, Margate and Ashford). Please see our website www.pilgrimscyclechallenge.org for further info and to book online.

Pilgrims Hospices is a charity providing palliative care free of charge to people in east Kent. It provides palliative care for patients with a range of illnesses that cannot be cured including cancer, heart failure, respiratory conditions and neurological diseases. Care is provided from the three sites in Canterbury, Ashford and Thanet, in patients' homes and via community programmes. Care is also extended to families and carers.

To keep delivering care to those that need it the most, Pilgrims has to raise over £8 million each year. The majority of this comes from our local community, so fundraising is very important.

We hope you enjoy Steve's blog. With a bit of luck it will be a source of encouragement to those of you taking part and inspiration to those who are considering it!

Please feel free to contact me, Clare Sherwood, with any comments or queries that you do not wish to share on the blog. Email: clare_sherwood@pilgrimshospice.org