Charity cycle pitstop at Bratton Fleming

BRATTON Fleming residents were on hand to give charity cyclists a much needed refreshment break during the annual Ride for Precious Lives event on behalf of the Children s Hospice South West. The village set up a refreshment stop for the 90 entrants durin

BRATTON Fleming residents were on hand to give charity cyclists a much needed refreshment break during the annual Ride for Precious Lives event on behalf of the Children's Hospice South West.

The village set up a refreshment stop for the 90 entrants during day two of the gruelling 240 mile three day ride which runs from St Austell to Bristol.

A refuelling stop was needed enroute to Exmoor and Bratton residents Annie and Rob Jones generously opened up their house and garden for the 90 cyclists to stop and take a breather before tackling one of the longest hills of the event.

Many people in the village lent a hand, baking cakes and flapjacks and brewing endless pots of tea.

Villagers Henrietta Clay and Mandy Robbins were taking part in the event and were overwhelmed by the support and encouragement family and friends.

"There was a real carnival atmosphere with flags and balloons and lots of cheering!" said Mandy, who is Director of Care for the hospice.

"As we rode into Bratton there were villagers crowding across the road cheering us on and waving, they even stopped cars driving through the village to ask for donations.

"We are so grateful to everyone, but especially to Annie and Rob Jones, Melinda Sharpe, Jo Dunbavin, and Charlie Bond who coordinated the refreshment stop and to Holly Conway for making all the flags."

Early indications show the ride has raised around �65,000. For information on events you can get involved in to help raise vital funds for Children's Hospice South West visit www.chsw.org.uk.