Pilgrims Hospices Cycle Challenge marks its 15^th anniversary on Sunday 4 May 2025; in doing so, Pilgrims celebrate one of its most dedicated supporters, Sue Barrett-Austen from Ashford.

Sue has taken part in every event since the challenge began, in memory of loved ones and in appreciation of Pilgrims.

Sue completed the very first Cycle Challenge just 18 months after her best friend, Eve, received Pilgrims care.

Sue shared that “Eve was the most incredible lady. A real force of nature. She received such wonderful care in the time that she was in the hospice. But it wasn’t just her who received that care, nor just her family, but me as well, her friend.”

Sue set herself the challenge of riding an impressive 75 miles in Eve’s memory, to raise vital funds and awareness for the hospice.

She reminisced on a poignant moment of the day, saying “registration for that first Cycle Challenge was under the balcony of what had been her room. It really did feel like she was looking down on me!”

Reflecting on how much the event has evolved since its inception, Sue told us that “it’s grown to something almost unrecognisable from those very first years. What remains unchanged is the faultless support, rest stops, planning and organisation. To see the growth in distances and numbers of participants is a magnificent testament to such a wonderful event.”

Sue shared what motivated her to keep coming back each year: “Having lost Eve, I wanted to do what I could to support the hospice and raise money.”

Her motivation grew further when her husband, Richard, was diagnosed with lung cancer and spent the last week of his life being cared for at Pilgrims.

Sue said: “Richard had supported my efforts in participating in the Cycle Challenge and, even when he was so poorly, insisted that I take part.

“We both were shown a phenomenal level of care, dignity and empathy. This is what motivates me to come back every year no matter what. It’s a little, tiny bit of payback. It is also very important to me as the event is always very close to, if not actually on, Richard’s birthday.”

Sue has special memories of Cycle Challenge over the years, and has met so many incredible people along the way. Whether at rest stops or during training rides, she has “met a whole group of wonderful people who have become good friends”, each with their own special reasons for taking on Cycle Challenge.

Incredibly, it was through this community that she met her now-husband, Jay.

Sue Barrett Austen And Jay Funnell 1

Sue Barrett Austen And Jay Funnell 2

Sue Barrett Austen And Jay Funnell 3

Sue and Jay taking part in Pilgrims Cycle Challenge

Sue’s story shows how Pilgrims not only cares for patients, but also loved ones into the future, by creating a supportive community that continues even after bereavement.

Sue is a super fundraiser, and has even become a Pilgrims volunteer, giving her time back to her local hospice. She has raised an astonishing £13,319 in memory of Eve and Richard, which has directly helped support others who need Pilgrims’ care.

Sue has her own fundraising tips and tricks to share: “Keep people up to date on your progress, training, your goals and why you are doing it. Share your achievements, photos, and any anecdotes!”

For anyone thinking about signing up to Cycle Challenge, Sue has one piece of advice – do it!

Whether you’re taking part in memory of a loved one, or are keen to support your local hospice, Pilgrims Hospices Cycle Challenge really has it all, as Sue says:

“The atmosphere of excitement, nerves and camaraderie at the start. Seeing those motivational signs on the hills! All the volunteers and Pilgrims staff at the fantastically catered rest stops. The welcoming bell, the smiles, the hugs, the feeling of achievement at the end… I enjoy everything about the day!

“I am so very proud to have participated in Cycle Challenge every year. It means such a lot to me, more so than any other event. I intend to keep going in one way or another for as long as I am here. I am taking on the 100-mile route this year. I feel very humbled that I’m able to participate, and grateful for the support I have received from family, friends and my very dear Pilgrims community.”

If you’d like to support Pilgrims by taking on Cycle Challenge, visit pilgrimscyclechallenge.org to get involved.

With six ride distances to choose from, there’s something for all fitness levels!

To celebrate the event’s 15th anniversary, a brand-new 15-mile route has been introduced to encourage even more participants to join in the fun. For this route only, entry has been opened to those aged 12 years and over, creating an exciting opportunity for families to cycle together, as well as being perfect for beginners or those seeking a shorter ride.

Each year, Pilgrims Hospices care for thousands of people across east Kent, with services provided from its three hospice sites in Ashford, Canterbury, and Thanet, as well as in patients’ own homes. It costs over £17.2 million annually to run these services, much of which comes from the generous support of the local community.