After the successes of the previous three years, Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw, Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice, have announced that registration for their highly anticipated Bikes Boats Boots challenge is open for 2025!
Taking place on 10th May 2025, fundraisers from across the county are already signing up to take on the challenge to raise funds for local people with life-limiting illnesses and their families. Challenge yourself by cycling, canoeing and hiking, with the stunning backdrop of Ullswater and Helvellyn.
Last year fundraisers raised over £51,000 to support the care provided to local families by Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw. The hospice needs to raise £877 for the average 24 hour stay, meaning dozens of local adults and children can be supported when they need it most, and all those taking part in Bikes Boats Boots have played a key role in ensuring the hospice doors stay open to all those who need care.
There are lots of new components to this year’s challenge, including two relay categories, a new cycle route and a new basecamp where all the action will center from. The ‘Relay2’ and ‘Relay4’ team categories allow participants to have up to 12 people in a team to take on a relay challenge by tagging in and out of basecamp. Or the standard ‘All-in’ category where teams of 2-4 take on the challenge. The basecamp in Glenridding is where all the action takes place and friends, and family can come along to support you throughout the day and to celebrate with you at the end!
Eleanor Viney, Head of Income Generation at Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw, said: “We are super excited to launch the Bikes Boats Boots 2025! We hope the new features in this year’s challenge will encourage more people to join in with the fun. All you really need is the drive and determination to be a part of an epic day of fundraising for local families who need care, with compassion, at the most difficult times.”
The fundraising event is run by the hospice along with Cumbria-based adventure and expedition specialists The Adventure Element, and kindly sponsored by local Penrith-based business, AST Signs Ltd.
Eleanor continued, “Thank you to the team at The Adventure Element for helping us set up a very exciting day – their expertise and support help to create the fantastic energy we always get on the day. I also want to say a huge thank you to Ast who are our main sponsors this year. The day wouldn’t be possible without them and we’re truly grateful for their support.”
Mark Aston, Managing Director at Ast, said “The hospice does amazing work and we want to do everything we can to support it. We’ve been proud to sponsor Bikes Boats Boots for the last couple of years and will be very glad to do so again in May. If you’re a local business, it’s worth considering entering a team – it’s a brilliant day out, great for staff morale and team building and it raises vital funds for this important cause.”
Anyone who would like to take part in the event can sign up at www.edenvalleyhospice.org/support-us/events/bikes-boats-boots-2025
If you would like more information about the event, please email fundraising@edenvalleyhospice.org or call the fundraising team on 01228 810801.
