A VIRTUAL spin on a popular fund-raising event in Stratford will allow people to travel beyond their wildest dreams.
The Shakespeare Hospice’s big cycling fund-raiser has been called off for the second year in a row. Instead, the charity has launched Tour de Shakespeare – a specially-designed virtual route of 6,657 miles around places where the plays are set.
From a start at the hospice in Shottery, the tour takes in Scotland, Denmark, Cyprus, Lebanon, Egypt and many more – before finishing at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.
To respect current restrictions, the virtual twist is that riders will accumulate the miles in or around their homes, wherever they may be.
Events and community fundraiser Bridget Richards said: “The great thing about our virtual Tour de Shakespeare Challenge is that you can achieve those miles in your own time, whatever distance you choose, whether that’s cycling outdoors or pedalling your way to your target on your exercise bike indoors – yes, you could even cycle whilst watching your favourite film.
“When you are on your challenge – whether riding through the countryside or park, pushing yourself to the limit up that dreaded hill or tackling the flat terrain on your exercise bike… remember that every mile you do is helping to raise awareness about our hospice and amazing nurses.
“We were sorry to have to cancel our much-loved Great Shakespeare Ride again but feel this is a great way to involve cyclists of all ages in a memorable event and we’ve got a unique medal for those who complete the course as part of a team – or as an individual.
“The way the event is set up also means people don’t have to be in Stratford to get involved, they could be anywhere in the world.”
Tour de Shakespeare sees the hospice welcome a new sponsor, A-Plan Insurance, which has just opened an office in Guild Street, Stratford.
Branch manager Paul Aslett said: “Supporting the community has always been at the heart of what we do here at A-Plan Insurance. The Shakespeare Hospice is a charity that provides support for individuals and families at an extremely challenging time but helps to shine a light when it’s needed most.
“By supporting the excellent work that everyone does at the hospice now, the team and I hope that it provides some assistance for the staff and everyone in need of care and support in the future.”
Visit theshakespearehospice.org.uk for information and to sign-up to the event.
