Not for the first time, our Panda joined more than 350 bike riders on Sunday, June 12, for this year’s 3 Counties Cycle Ride organised by the Rotary Club of Easthampstead.
It was in support of three nominated charities, Berkshire-based Daisy’s Dream, the NHS Berkshire Healthcare Trust and our own Trust Fund.
The Daisy’s Dream team offers professional support for children and families affected by life-threatening illness or bereavement.
The NHS Berkshire Health Care Trust provides community and child healthcare services and mental health and wellbeing support. And the Rotary Club of Easthampstead Trust Fund strives to Make a Difference by supporting chosen local and global projects.
Heading up the 3CCR Steering Group, Dave Donaldson said: “With some riders also gaining their own sponsorship, total funds raised by this year’s Ride will certainly exceed £7,000 and may even reach £10,000.
“This has only been possible thanks to our main sponsor TREK Bicycle Bracknell, who also had a tent on-site for last-minute repairs, and had their own team on the Ride.”
The cyclists, many sporting this year’s red 3CCR T-shirt, were flagged off by Cllr Lizzy Gibson, Deputy Mayor for Bracknell Forest, and Andrew Mercer, president of Easthampstead Rotary Club.
And among the riders was Bracknell Town Mayor, Cllr Dai Roberts, who was supporting his nominated Bracknell-based charity, Create Hope.
Dave thanked Tesco Warfield and Martins Heron for the gift of Mars bars, and Fraser’s Budgens at Three Mile Cross for providing bottled water for the riders.
Andrew echoed thanks also to all the other volunteers among Easthampstead Rotarians and friends, and local scout groups, who provided the marshals, manned the first-aid and drink stations on route, and helped with the start and finish at Garth Hill College in Bracknell.
And during the Ride, help was at hand for the participants, thanks to mobile cycle mechanic Chris from Berkshire Cycles Crowthorne, and Jon Rodella who drove the rescue vehicle with Easthampstead Rotarian James Strugnell alongside.
After the ride, all participants were delighted to receive their certificate and medal. And with so many positive comments, riders were enthusiastically already booking the date of next year’s 3 Counties Cycle Ride which is planned for Sunday, June 4, 2023.
And for those cyclists keen to ride again soon, don’t forget the Wokingham Bikeathon, this Sunday.
For details go to the event website www.wokinghambikeathon.co.uk
Easthampstead Rotarians – Making a Difference in the Community
New members are always welcome. We currently get together every two weeks – normally at The Coppid Beech. We have fun and host guest speakers.
For more information, call Brian on 07720 321 526. Check out our website: www.easthampsteadrotary.org
Or follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/easthampsteadrotaryclub/
PETER VON BERGEN
