Tag Archive for: tour de moor

Tour de Moor
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BLOG: Tour de Moor: Cyclists’ support that helps keep the wheels of local hospice care turning

Tour de MoorCyclists’ support that helps keep the wheels of local hospice care turning

It was big, it was bold and it turned Dartmoor blue, raising vital funds for our compassionate care.

On Sunday 9 October, over 1,000 cyclists of all ages and abilities proudly donned their branded blue tee-shirts and took to the saddle for our annual cycling challenge, Tour de Moor, in support of the vital care we provide for local families affected by terminal illness.

Located on the rugged wilds of Dartmoor, participants pitted themselves against the toughest, hill-filled terrain for 52km, taking it down a gear for the 30km route or opting for the more gentle, 11km ride along the tarmac paths of Drake’s Trail.

Sponsored by local company Print Copy Scan Ltd, Tour de Moor helps support the specialist services we provide free of charge to our patients, reaching across Plymouth and into rural areas, including Tavistock, Dartmoor and the South Hams.


Among the sea of cyclists were many taking part in tribute to a loved one looked after by St Luke’s at the end of their life.

Taking on the 52km for his second year was Steve from Tavistock “There’s downhills, a lot of uphill’s, the climbs are horrible but when you get to the top at Princetown the views are amazing and it is so rewarding when you get to the finish. This year I am taking in part in memory of my Grandad who died a few weeks ago of cancer. St Luke’s were there from the start of the diagnosis, to treatment and until his passing. I must say St Luke’s were with the family step by step and provided an unbelievable service, you couldn’t ask for a better charity. It was unbelievable”.

Joining him was Steve Hodge from Plymouth “I’m cycling today for a good friend of mine, Matthew Reynolds who had his 50th birthday in late August and died the week after. He had such great care in St Luke’s, they made it more comfortable for him and extended that support to the whole family. It is such a great local charity, getting involved in an event like this is just nice to give something back”.

But it is not all mud, sweat and hills, Tour de Moor also has a more gentle 11km family route along Drakes Trail. Making it a family day out was English folk singer, songwriter Seth Lakeman and his son Morley. Seth cycling in memory of a good friend, said: “It is so important to support a charity like this, St Luke’s have touched people in so many different ways. I can’t imagine a Devon without St Luke’s, the end of life care and what they achieve is almost hard to fathom. I think these sort of moments when you are pushing yourself physically I felt quite emotional crossing the line and thought of those people who aren’t around anymore and how St Luke’s have helped them”.

And, with 2022 marking 40 years since we welcomed our first patients, in 1982, for each and every Tour de Moor participant there was the pride of receiving a special commemorative medal on their completion of the challenge.

St Luke’s Head of Fundraising, Penny Hannah, said: “It was incredibly moving to see so many cyclists turn out in support of our charity’s compassionate care for families going through the toughest of times.

“All our Tour de Moorers should feel incredibly proud because it is their support – and that of everyone who fundraises and volunteers for us – that will help us keep doing what we do for the next 40 years and beyond. Huge thanks to everyone who took part in this year’s challenge, our volunteers, Dartmoor National Park, Maristow Estate, David May Motor Service’s, The Hire Shop, Appleby Westward and Rapid Relief Plymouth all for whom we could not put on an event of this scale. You have done your community proud!”

Tour de Moor
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BLOG: Fundraising has no age limits for our Tour de Moor

Tour de Moor

Fundraising has no age limits for our Tour de Moor

Losing a loved one can be difficult at any age, but especially so for young children. The impact of losing their grandma has spurred on two young fundraisers, who are the latest participants in this year’s Tour de Moor.

After losing their grandma earlier this year, seven-year-old Milo and his five-year-old sister Aurora decided that they wanted to give something back.

Tour de Moor

Milo and Aurora’s mum, Laura said: “After losing their grandma in May, they came to us and asked if they could take part in this year’s Tour de Moor. St Luke’s came to us in Derriford at the end of mum’s life and I will never forget the support that was shown. They both realised what St Luke’s does as a charity and now want to help give back and help other families.

“They love bike riding and if you know us, you know we ride a lot of miles on our bikes, so we thought why not let the kids do something more challenging for such a great cause.”

The day will be an extra special occasion for Aurora as it will also be her 6th birthday.

If you can support Milo and Aurora in their fundraising journey visit their JustGiving page.

Join the inspirational siblings on your bike in our 40th anniversary year, as Tour de Moor returns on Sunday 9 October. The summer holidays are the perfect opportunity to get those wheels turning as a family in practise for the big day.

Tour de Moor

Participants in this year’s event, sponsored by Print Copy Scan, can embrace the rugged wilderness of Dartmoor with the choice of three routes, an exhilarating hill-filled 52km of mixed terrain, 30km of tough riding over hills and through woodlands or our gentle family friendly 11km ‘mini moor’. Whether you choose to saddle up alone or with the whole family, the money you raise provides vital funds to make an important difference to people living near you, going through the toughest of times.

Whatever your age, sign up for our Tour de Moor today and make a difference in your community.

Tour de Moor
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BLOG: Tour de Moor, the South West’s boldest charity cycling challenge returns for 2022

Tour de Moor

Get on your bike in St Luke’s 40th anniversary year, for an exciting challenge in aid of compassionate care and support that positively impacts families affected by terminal illness. 

Our popular Tour de Moor biking challenge returns to the rugged wilderness of Dartmoor on Sunday 9 October. Sponsored by Print Copy Scan, a local supplier of printers and copiers, we will be offering cyclists an adrenalin-packed adventure: a hill-filled, 52km mixed terrain route of mud, sweat and gears all in aid of St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth. Cycling at its fiercest for those aged 12 and above!

Alternatively, participants of 9 years or older can take it down a gear and saddle up for 30km of tough riding over hills and through woods, and there’s also the ‘mini moor’, a gentle 11km ride along the tarmac paths of Drake’s Trail that’s suitable for all the family.

Tour de Moor

Not only does Tour de Moor cater for all cycling abilities, it also raises vital funds for the specialist care we provide for patients and ensures they can make precious memories with loved ones in their final months, weeks and days. Funds raised will also help us to continue to provide essential bereavement support for patients’ family and friends.

Having welcomed our first patients to Syrena House in Plymstock in 1982, today we care for patients in their own homes, at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust and at our specialist unit at Turnchapel. Our critical service runs 365 days a year, covering Plymouth, South West Devon and East Cornwall.

Penny Hannah, Head of Fundraising at St Luke’s, said: “If ever there was a time to get on your bike to help keep the wheels of our specialist service turning, it’s this one – our charity’s 40th anniversary year.

“Over the four decades since St Luke’s began, it has been our privilege to have made a difference to many hundreds of local families. So, if someone special to you was looked after by our team, taking on the challenge of Tour de Moor is a fantastic way to pay tribute to them.

“Regardless of your motivation for participating though, our epic event is a great combination of fitness and muddy fun. With three classic routes to choose from, it’s ideal for families as well as more experienced cyclists who really want to push themselves.

“Every hill climb will be worth the extra effort because the sponsorship money Tour de Moor raises is needed more than ever to help St Luke’s meet the rising demand on our service. We want to be here for the next 40 years – and beyond – to ensure that no-one in the local area misses out on the high-quality care they need, and deserve, at the end of their lives.”

Tour de Moor

Director of Print Copy Scan, Karl Welburn, said, “St Luke’s has given four decades of superb service, helping local families who rely on the team’s care and support at the toughest time of their lives, but as a community we must never take what the charity provides for granted.

“We’re proud to sponsor Tour de Moor again, especially with this year being the 40th anniversary of the hospice. All the money raised by those taking part goes directly to bespoke care for terminally ill people living in the local area.”

The Tour de Moor challenge departs from 8.30am at Harrowbeer Airfield, near Yelverton, and finishes there.

Sign up for the challenge here. Registration costs £35 for the 52km or 30km route, and £15 for the 11km route.

Tour de Moor Blog Header
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BLOG: Cyclists unite for St Luke’s Tour de Moor

Tour de Moor Blog HeaderCyclists unite for St Luke’s Tour de Moor

Community-spirited cyclists braved the wilds of Dartmoor at the weekend, raising much-needed funds to support local hospice care that makes an important difference to families affected by terminal illness.

After putting on the brakes last year because of the pandemic, the Tour de Moor biking challenge in aid of St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth made its return on Sunday 10 October, attracting more than 1,400 participants, which exceeds the total in 2019. The popular, annual family-friendly event, sponsored by Print Copy Scan, a local supplier of printers and copiers, saw cyclists take on their choice of an adrenalin-packed, hill-filled, 52km mixed terrain route; a tough 30km ride over hills and through woods, or a more gentle 11km ride along the tarmac paths of Drake’s Trail.

Not only does Tour de Moor provide for every level of cycling ability, the money it raises means our highly skilled teams can be there for more families, providing expert medical care as well as vital emotional, practical and spiritual support.

Among the cyclists taking on the mud, sweat and gears of this year’s Tour de Moor were those doing so in memory of their lost loved ones.

One of the brave 945 people doing the demanding 52km route, in which cyclists tackle the notorious Widowmaker hill not once but twice, was Lydia from Peverell, participating in tribute to her much-loved nanny, Margot. St Luke’s looked after Margot at home eight years ago before sadly, she died.

“It feels important to give back to St Luke’s.”

Tackling Tour de Moor with brother Conor and friends, Lydia said: “This is the first time I’ve done the event and although I’ve been down the Widowmaker before, I have never been up it! It’s a tough challenge but it feels important to give back to St Luke’s because they were just so wonderful in the way they looked after Nanny, making her comfortable at home.

“She was an amazing lady and so very caring. Losing her hit me really hard and I’m grateful that St Luke’s were there for me, too, with a listening ear when I needed support.”

Also doing the 52km route for the first time was Lesley, from St Budeaux. She said: “I wanted to join in because of the difference St Luke’s made when my Auntie Lena needed their care back in 2007. It is very peaceful at Turnchapel, and she was looked after with such compassion – nothing was ever too much trouble.

“I miss my auntie a lot. She was an incredibly positive person, including throughout her illness, and always thinking of others. Tour de Moor is my way of saying thank-you to the hospice team for caring for her so well.”

“I can’t speak highly enough of St Luke’s.”

Making Tour de Moor a family affair was Ian, from Plympton, taking part in the 30km challenge with son Oliver, aged 9. The duo was doing the event in memory of Ian’s aunt, Gill, who died of cancer last year. She was looked after by St Luke’s at home before she passed away.

Ian said: “As a former Wren, my auntie had that military spirit and was very bubbly and outgoing. It comforts me that she was able to accomplish the things on her bucket list before she died, and also that she received the very best of care from St Luke’s.

“Oliver remembers her fondly too, so doing Tour de Moor together is very special. He can’t wait to take on the extra tough 52km in a few years’ time! It’s good to know that the money we raise will help more local families affected by cancer and other terminal illnesses. I can’t speak highly enough of St Luke’s and the important work they do.”

“What an amazing day!”

St Luke’s Events Lead Georgina Mayhew said: “What an amazing day! Tour de Moor is always a fantastic event but this year felt all the more special as we welcomed cyclists back after last year’s cancellation due to COVID safety measures.

“Our charity relies on the kindness of our community to help us continue looking after local people so they can live well to the end of their lives. Our cyclists did us proud and we are very grateful to them for getting on their bikes for us. Thanks to them, we can be there for more people who need us, ensuring they get the best possible care and support at the end of their lives.

“We’re already excited to be planning Tour de Moor 2022 because it is set to be one of the highlights of St Luke’s 40th anniversary year!”

We would like to thank Print Copy Scan for their ongoing sponsorship of the annual event, as well as recognise the kindness of Dartmoor National Park and Maristow Estate for the use of their land, Dartmoor Rescue Group, Devon and Cornwall 4×4 Response and Devon and Cornwall Cycle Marshals for their valued support, and the Dewerstone Café for help with facilities.

On any one day, we looks after around 300 people with life-limiting conditions at home – where the majority of patients receive their care – in hospital and at our specialist unit at Turnchapel. Our service covers from Salcombe to East Cornwall via Tavistock and the moors.

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Get set to master the moors and make a difference

Cyclists of all ages are getting set for one of Devon’s boldest and most popular charity challenges this autumn, the Tour de Moor.

The annual event – now in its tenth year – takes place on Sunday 13 October, raising funds to help us continue our specialist end of life care for terminally ill people, helping them to live well to the end.

Sponsored by Print Copy Scan, a local supplier of printers and copiers, the challenge in the rugged wilds of Dartmoor offers cyclists the opportunity of an adrenalin-packed adventure: the hill-filled 52km mixed terrain route of mud, sweat and gears. Cycling at its fiercest for those aged 12 and above!

Alternatively, participants aged 9 and above can take it down a gear and saddle up for 23km of tough riding over hills and through woods, and there’s also the ‘mini moor’, a gentle 11km ride along the tarmac paths of Drake’s Trail that’s suitable for all the family.

As well as Tour de Moor providing for every level of cycling ability, the money it raises means our highly skilled team can give not just expert medical care but also emotional, practical and spiritual support to families at the most vulnerable of times, whether their loved one is being cared for at home, in hospital or at our specialist unit at Turnchapel.

Head of Fundraising, Penny Hannah, said: “Tour de Moor is always a terrific day. It’s fitness and muddy fun, and with three routes to choose from, it’s ideal for both families as well as more experienced cyclists who really want to push themselves.

“Taking on the challenge is a great opportunity to get on your bike and help us provide vital care and support to patients and their families across the local area, making every hill climb worth that extra effort!”

Director of Print Copy Scan, Karl Welburn, said, “The calibre of the care St Luke’s provides is second to none, but we mustn’t take it for granted because none of us know when we might need it. As the only specialist end of life care provider in this area, the charity needs continued support and that’s why we’re proud to sponsor Tour de Moor again this year. All the money raised by people participating goes directly to patient care.”

The Tour de Moor challenge departs from 8.30am at Harrowbeer Airfield, near Yelverton, and finishes there.

Sign up for the challenge at www.stlukes-hospice.org.uk/tourdemoor or by calling us on 01752 492626. Registration costs £30 for the 52km or 23km route, and £15 for the 11km route.

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