Midlands annual charity bike ride marks fundraising milestone

More than £70,000 has been raised in total through an annual Midlands charity bike ride over its 11-year history.

Proceeds from this year's Starley Sportive bike ride, coordinated by Coventry construction and property firm The Deeley Group and Coventry Road Club, will go to Zoe’s Place, University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire and Warwickshire and Solihull Blood Bikes.

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A total of 230 cyclists, of all ages and abilities, registered for the rides on Sunday September 22, and, as is customary, it started and finished at George House in Canley, Coventry. headquarters of the Deeley Group.

Edward Hudson, business development manager at the Deeley Group, said: "For so many people to turn out, in spite of some truly awful weather, just goes to show how popular the event has become.

"We’re delighted to have once again raised a significant sum for local charities. Each of the organisations we have chosen to support does incredibly important work in the local community.

"For us to pass the £70,000 mark, in terms of the total amount the event has raised over the years, really was the icing on the cake. We can’t thank the riders and our event supporters enough."

Leigh Collins, from the fundraising team at Zoe’s Place, said: "We are so grateful to everyone at the Deeley Group and Coventry Road Club for organising another fabulous Starley Sportive.

"Fundraisers like these are crucial for us to provide invaluable services to the families and children we support. They really do make a difference."

The event takes its name from Coventry pioneers John Kemp Starley and James Starley whose creations paved the way for huge developments in the cycling industry.

And a date has already been set for next year. Starley Sportive 2025 will take place on Sunday, September 21.