Fern Britton leads charity bike ride in Chiltern hills

The Great Kingshill resident joined five hundred cyclists of all ages and abilities in Rennie Grove Hospice Care’s sixth annual Chilterns Cycle Challenge, which they hope will raise over £40,000.

Mrs Britton, who has now taken part in the event four times, said: "I love the spirit of the participants and I love the countryside; the Chilterns are just beautiful.

"I’ve ridden the 10k route previously as well and that’s fantastic too – perfect for kids as it’s all on cycle paths.

"Together we’re raising a great amount of money for the Rennie Grove nurses to care for patients in their own homes."

Six family members and friends came from Bristol to take part to support Rennie Grove after the charity cared for Karen Harborne from Chesham last year.

Karen's brother, Kevin Grainger and his wife Carole were joined by Natalie Grainger, Ben Jones and John and Margery Carr, with the men taking on the 75 mile route and the ladies the 35 mile option.

Carole said: “What an amazing day - we have had such a great time.

"We are all absolutely shattered but it’s for Karen today. We wanted to do something together in her memory and we hope she would be proud of us.

"Rennie Grove were wonderful in their care for Karen and she was able to stay at home right until the end.

"We're delighted that we've been able to take part and raise over £1,000 to help the charity continue to care for other patients and families."

Rennie Grove’s Director of Fundraising and Marketing, Gillian Barnett, said: "It’s been a fantastic day with support from so many people. We are absolutely delighted with the response from the local community.

"It’s been great having Fern with us once again and we’re really hoping that we’ll be able to smash our target of £40,000 for this event.

"It is heart-warming to see a community come together like this to support a service that is making a real difference to so many right on our doorsteps."