For Dave, Tour de Moor is more than a cycling challenge. It’s a chance to remember his mum Marion and Aunty Pat, while supporting St Luke’s.

2nd September 2026/

The family memories behind Dave’s reason to ride

Everyone who takes part in Tour de Moor has their own reason for getting on their bike.

For Dave, it’s personal.

He rides in memory of his mum Marion and his Aunty Pat, twin sisters who were at the heart of a close-knit family.

“They were both very strong willed, devoted to the family and wouldn’t back down to anybody or anything. But underneath, were the most loving mother and Aunty anybody could wish for.”

Dave remembers a childhood and family life filled with happy memories of parties and holidays together.

Dave’s mum Marion and his Aunty Pat

Remembering Marion and Pat

Dave’s mum Marion lived in Hampshire and was diagnosed with breast cancer when she was 50. She lived with the disease for 12 years before dying at the age of 62.

“As you can imagine a huge loss to our family and still thought about and missed all the time.”

Following Marion’s death, Aunty Pat became an even bigger presence in the family.

“Many the time I’ve sat with Aunty Pat reminiscing about my mum and recalling lots of happy memories.”

Pat was later diagnosed with cancer at 90 and, like Marion, was a fighter until she died aged 92.

Both women remained at home until close to the end of their lives before receiving end-of-life care.

“They were both looked after by end-of-life care, who treated them with the utmost care, dignity and respect.” 

Dave and his fellow cycling buddies

Riding for a reason

Those experiences are part of the reason Dave continues to get on his bike and support St Luke’s through Tour de Moor.

This October will be his fourth time taking part.

And each year, he’s been encouraging a few more people to join him.

“I’ve been gradually pulling in friends for this great cause and this year there will be six of us riding.”

Age isn’t getting in their way either.

“Three of us are well into our sixties but love the challenge and camaraderie of this event.”

And Dave has no intention of stopping there.

“We will continue to ride and bring in as many people as I can to support St Lukes and the work they do.”

What’s your reason to ride?

For Dave, Tour de Moor is a chance to remember two much-loved members of his family, support hospice care and enjoy the challenge alongside his friends.

For you, the reason might be completely different.

You might ride in memory of someone you love. You might want to challenge yourself. Or perhaps you simply want to experience Dartmoor alongside friends and family while doing something that makes a difference.

Whatever your reason, we’d love you to join us.

Tour de Moor returns on Sunday 11 October 2026, with 11km, 28km and 53km routes to choose from.

Join Dave and make your miles matter.

Learn more about Tour De Moor

Related articles

, ,

Why we’re proud to be part of the St Luke’s family

Discover how one Plymouth family is honouring a loved one through fundraising and St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth’s Light Up a Life remembrance appeal.
, ,

River rides Tour de Moor in memory of his grandad

For young cyclist River, taking on St Luke's Tour de Moor was about more than completing a cycling challenge. It was a chance to do something he loves, remember his grandad and raise awareness of motor neurone disease (MND).
, ,

St Luke’s appoints new Chief Executive

St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth welcomes Will Warrender as its new Chief Executive from April 2027, bringing extensive leadership experience and a longstanding connection to the charity.
, ,

Connection, community and giving back: Why Caroline loves volunteering for St Luke’s

A chance visit turned into something special. Discover how volunteering at St Luke’s has brought friendship, laughter and a sense of belonging to Caroline and her son Clayton.
, ,

Nearly 1,000 cyclists saddle up for St Luke’s Tour de Moor challenge

Nearly 1,000 cyclists took on Dartmoor for St Luke’s Tour de Moor 2026, with 952 riders tackling three challenging routes. From families enjoying the Mini-Moor to seasoned cyclists conquering Beast Mode, participants came together to raise vital funds for specialist end-of-life care, many riding in memory of loved ones.
, ,

Our Guiding Lights shine bright as auction finale raises £200,000 for hospice care

Our Guiding Lights shone brighter than ever as the spectacular auction finale raised an incredible £200,000 for hospice care. Every sculpture found a home on the night, thanks to the generosity of our passionate supporters and everyone who helped make this unforgettable campaign possible.
, ,

Dave’s reason to ride: Making every mile matter

Dave will take on Tour de Moor for the fourth time this October, riding in memory of two much-loved members of his family and encouraging more friends to join him. For Dave, it’s about challenge, camaraderie and helping St Luke’s continue to make a difference.
, ,

Anna Gelderd MP backs fairer end-of-life care

Cornwall MP visits St Luke’s and backs fairer end of life care on both sides of the Tamar.
, ,

Tourist sisters travel from Essex to see Guiding Lights shine

Essex sisters Maria and Emma travelled to Plymouth for the first time, drawn by their love of charity art trails and St Luke’s Guiding Lights.
PreviousNext

Our Care

Support us

Courses

Information

River rides Tour de Moor in memory of his grandadConnection, community and giving back: Why Caroline loves volunteering for St...