Pedal-powered moorland challenge Tour de Moor supports St Luke’s hospice care

3rd March 2026

St Luke’s Tour de Moor bike challenge a success

Hundreds of generous-spirited cyclists pedalled with a purpose on Sunday to make this year’s St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth’s Tour de Moor bike challenge a memorable and successful occasion.

Wearing striking orange branded T-shirts, more than 900 riders turned the wild landscape of Dartmoor into a thrilling two-wheeler spectacle while raising vital funds to support the charity’s compassionate end-of-life care for local people and their families.

There was a choice of routes for of all ages and abilities: the 53km Beast Mode tested the stamina of the bravest riders aged 12 and up, while the 28km Adventurer Style offered a slightly gentler, but still exciting, ride. Families, beginners and more casual cyclists enjoyed the 11km Mini-Moor, a scenic spin along Drake’s Trail.

The weather was kind too – chilly to start, but bright and dry with plenty of autumnal sunshine – making for a perfect morning of cycle action.

Many riders took part in memory of loved ones and friends who have been cared for by St Luke’s, knowing that every pound raised helps another family receive the same specialist holistic hospice support when and where they need it most, with the majority taking place people’s own homes.

Andrew Shelton from Plympton was taking part for the fourth time, riding 53km route in memory of his father-in-law Paul Michelmore, who died in August, and his grandma, Joyce Hoskin. They were both cared for by St Luke’s at the end of their lives at the hospice’s specialist unit at Turnchapel.

“St Luke’s did a fantastic job looking after them. The nurses are so caring and the support they give to family members as well is brilliant,” said Andrew, who works for Bandvulc Tyres.

“It is really important to take part in things like Tour de Moor because St Luke’s is a charity and without them you can’t have this kind of care. Being here on the day means a lot because you are remembering the people who have passed and giving something back, and the camaraderie and atmosphere are always great too.”

Andrew’s wife, Sarah, and sons Oscar,14, and Charlie, 11, entered Tour de Moor for the first time this year cycling the 11km course.

Making her proud Tour de Moor debut in the 11km was five-year-old Daisy, who saw her mum Kayleigh Cooke come in as first woman past the finish line in last year’s 28km.

“Daisy has been asking for a whole year to take part and now she is here. We’ve been doing a lot of practising around the dog walking path at the top of our street as well as up on the moor,” said Kayleigh, from Keyham, who was riding alongside her daughter in memory of two special family friends.

“I do as much as I can for St Luke’s because so many people need their care. Without them there would be a lot more people suffering.”

Jenni Everson got into gear for the 28km circuit to “give something back” after her mother, Margaret, was cared for by St Luke’s at home before she died two years ago.

“Mum was at home in Plymouth. My dad was there with her, but it was so good to have someone coming in to support them both. The care they received was invaluable, and the guys that came were absolutely amazing. It took the pressure off the whole family. Knowing that she could stay at home was the most important thing to her and to us,” said Jenni, whose husband, Tony, rode the 53km route.

Paige Gould from Saltash took to the saddle for the 53km challenge in memory of family friend Jacquie Burge from Callington. She was joined for the ride by her pals Beth Witton and Ellie Maunder.

“Jacquie was my mum’s best friend and a big part of my family. She was looked after by St Luke’s. They help so many people and not only the person going through the situations but their family members too,” said Paige.

Sarah Field from Tavistock had her treasured colleague Marian Lane in her thoughts as she cycled with her children, Jasper, 10, and Belle, 14, raising more than £400 for St Luke’s. The two women worked together as teachers at St Andrew’s Primary School in Plymouth before Marian’s death two years ago.

“Marian was a wonderfully kind and caring person and an inspirational teacher. She was cared for by St Luke’s and I wanted to raise money in her memory, knowing it takes a staggering amount to keep St Luke’s services running.

“We haven’t done anything like Tour de Moor before, but we have always gone mountain biking and it’s a challenge the three of us can do together,” said Sarah, who has also made sure St Andrew’s is signed up to be part of the schools’ programme for St Luke’s Guiding Lights art trail and auction in 2026.

As Sam Whitehead served up coffee and cake to participants, supporters and organisers from his Freewheelin’ Coffee trike, he was remembering his father-in-law Paul Collard who spent his last 24 hours at St Luke’s specialist unit at Turnchapel before he died in July this year, aged 90.

“It was just such a wonderful space; the staff and everything about it were just incredible. My wife and I were so grateful that he was there.  Despite the trauma of the occasion I felt it was the loveliest way to have gone,” said Sam, from Yelverton, who has also ridden the Tour de Moor with his family several times.

Jack Cockerton was taking part in Tour de Moor for the first time with his wife, Faye, St Luke’s head of IT service delivery, and their boys Fred, eight, and Toby,12.

He said: “It’s nice because it’s a family event and there is a real community feel here. So many people’s lives are affected by St Luke’s.”

Faye added: “Seeing what our nursing staff do is incredible and the impact that has in our community is huge. A friend has recently been needing St Luke’s care. They were in crisis and didn’t know who to talk to and they immediately felt in really safe hands.”

The couple talk openly with their sons about death and dying and believe Tour de Moor has an important role to play in spreading awareness, as well as raising funds.

“Death is part of life and not a taboo subject. Events like this bring that to light and that hospice care is about making sure someone’s last days are pain free and dignified,” said Faye.

Georgina Dyke, Events Lead at St Luke’s, said: “It was absolutely wonderful to see so many people jumping on their bikes for this year’s Tour de Moor. Their energy, enthusiasm and commitment to support St Luke’s care was truly heartening.

“We’re so grateful to each and every cyclist who took part, gave it their all, and helped raise vital funds to support our services. We hope they had a brilliant time out on the moor.

“And to everyone who helped make it happen, from our sponsors and our army of amazing volunteers to the local organisations who have pitched in, you’ve done your community proud!

“Our special thanks go to sponsors Pyramid AV, as well as Dartmoor National Park, Certini Bicycle Company, Martin French at The Hire Shop, Devon and Cornwall 4×4 Response, Devon Contract Waste, Appleby Westward, Airvent Services, Turnbulls, Kieron Jewell Cycle Marshals, Curly Gaz and everyone else who helped with refreshments and logistics or donated raffle prizes to make the event go so brilliantly!”

Every £1,000 raised by the challenge will cover a full package of care at home in Plymouth, and surrounding areas of Dartmoor, the South Hams, West Devon or East Cornwall, completely free of charge, for one patient and their family.  Tour de Moor entrants are urged to pay in their sponsorship as soon as possible so St Luke’s can tot up the grand total raised.

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