952 cyclists took on Dartmoor’s rugged landscape in support of our hospice care

12th October 2026/

Riders of all ages tested their skills and stamina on one of three thrilling routes, from Mini-Moor to Beast Mode

The rugged tracks and spectacular scenery of Dartmoor provided a fitting backdrop for St Luke’s annual Tour de Moor challenge as 952 riders got on their bikes for a thrilling cycle adventure in the name of hospice care.

Sporting the event’s striking orange T-shirts, participants of all ages and abilities gathered at Yelverton on Sunday morning to tackle one of three routes across the moor. The most demanding 53km Beast Mode route put seasoned riders to the test, while the 28km Adventurer Style offered a rewarding off-road experience. For families, younger cyclists and those looking for a shorter ride, the 11km Mini-Moor along Drake’s Trail proved a popular option.

The weekend weather took a brisk autumnal turn, with a chilly start and grey skies heralding the showers that came later in the morning. Setting off in dry conditions, most riders had a drenching by the time they crossed the finish line but it didn’t seem to curb their spirits.

Beyond the adrenaline-fuelled challenge, Tour de Moor was about far more than cycling for many of those who took part. They knew that every mile completed and every pound they raised in sponsorship would help St Luke’s deliver compassionate end of life care and support to patients and their families, in Plymouth and surrounding areas, when and where it is needed most.

Some rode in memory of the loved ones they miss, and to celebrate the hospice care that has touched their own families.

Nicki Evans with her daughter Hollie

Nicki Evans, from Harrowbarrow, was riding with her daughter, Hollie, in memory of their “really special” dad and granddad, Mike Western, who was cared for at St Luke’s specialist unit at Turnchapel.

“Dad was amazing. He was very quiet, but he was a lovely, caring man. He was fortunate enough to spend his last week with St Luke’s, which was invaluable. They made him feel special again during his last week. It was the compassion, care and respect they showed him – he just didn’t want for anything.

“Unfortunately, he had terminal lung cancer and was struggling to breathe, but they kept him comfortable. He could have whatever he wanted as well, which was lovely.

“I think everybody deserves the chance to have end of life care with St Luke’s. Fundraising is vital. I can’t believe that charities like St Luke’s don’t get more help. It’s so well deserved.”

Taking part in Tour de Moor also reminded Nicki and Hollie that they were not alone in their loss.  “It’s quite heartwarming to see everyone pulling together. There’s so much negativity going on in the world so it’s really nice to have something positive happening.”

As she and Hollie set off on their bikes, Mike was uppermost in their thoughts.  Nicki said: “He’ll be spurring us on when we’re going up the hills! We’ll definitely be drawing on his willpower.”

Matthew Bretherick, taking on the Tour de Moor challenge

For Matthew Bretherick, taking on the Tour de Moor challenge is about saying thank you to St Luke’s for looking after his wife, Sarah.

He said: “Sarah died at home, and St Luke’s made everything so much easier during a very difficult time. It meant the family could come and see her and she had her cats around her.  She’d been in hospital and received really good care there, but it wasn’t the same as being at home.

“St Luke’s do some fantastic work in the community and I’m really proud to take part in this today.”

When Sarah died, in January 2024, the couple, from Kingsbridge, had been together almost 40 years.

“We knew each other from being young adults right the way through our lives. She was a mother of two, a caring mum and a devoted family person.”

Matthew has found solace in cycling as he learns to live with his huge loss.

“I do a lot of solo rides and rides with mates, and doing something like Tour de Moor helps too.

“You feel like you’re on your own on the beach, dealing with the surf of grief, and then you realise there are other people dealing with it too. You may know them, or you may not, but they’ve all got to deal with it in their own way. If you can come together and help each other, it’s great.”

Thirteen-year-old Eli Snelling, with his mum’s partner, Wayne Harries

Thirteen-year-old Eli Snelling, from Sherford, was tackling Tour de Moor’s Adventurer route for the first time in honour of his granddad Eddie Eldridge. He was joined by his mum’s partner, Wayne Harries.

“St Luke’s were a massive support to the family before Eddie passed away, so we thought we’d step in, support the charity and try to raise some money,” said Wayne.

Eddie was cared for at St Luke’s specialist unit after spending time in hospital.

“It was much more relaxed and, I think, a lot better for him. They got his pain under control, and it was just a better environment for him,” added Wayne.

He and Eli are already planning to take on The Beast challenge next year.

Deborah Woolnough from Bovisand, saddled up for St Luke’s because she understands how important it is to support hospices and end of life care.

“You never know what’s going to happen in the future. You need charities to help support you towards the end of your life, and hospices are very important.”

Her brother-in-law, Mike Woolnough, was cared for by Rowans Hospice, based near Portsmouth, recently so she was cycling in his memory.

“Rowans really made all the difference because the family could spend quality, personal time with him, rather than being in a big hospital environment.

“They made his last two weeks far more comfortable, and he passed away peacefully. They were very good, and I’m sure St Luke’s provides exactly the same sort of care.”

Georgina Dyke, Events Manager at St Luke’s, said: “What a fantastic turnout! It was amazing to see so many people embracing the challenge and enjoying everything Tour de Moor has to offer.

“Whether they were in Beast Mode, tackling Adventurer Style or enjoying the Mini-Moor trail with their families, every single rider played a part in supporting the care we provide for people at home out in the community and at our specialist unit.

“We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who took part, raised sponsorship, volunteered their time or supported the event in any way. Tour de Moor simply wouldn’t be possible without the generosity and enthusiasm of so many people.

“We would especially like to thank our sponsors Pyramid AV and The Eden Clinic, Dartmoor National Park, Certini Bicycle Company, Martin French at The Hire Shop, Devon and Cornwall 4×4 Response, Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team, Devonshire Freemasons, Devon Contract Waste, Airvent Services, Turnbulls, Crumb & Crust, Kieron Jewell Cycle Marshals, comperes Nigel and George Drew and all the individuals and organisations who helped with refreshments, logistics and raffle prizes.”

Each £949 raised through Tour de Moor is the equivalent of funding a complete package of St Luke’s care at home for a patient and their family.

Cyclists who have yet to pay in their sponsorship are encouraged to do so as soon as possible so we can calculate the final fundraising total.

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