AN AMATEUR cyclist from Witham rode in Britain's biggest cycling challenge to raise money for Farleigh Hospice who cared for his late mother.
Joe Eley, 27, was joined by sister Ellen and stepfather David Smith in this summer's Prudential RideLondon to Surrey 100, which saw nearly 20,000 riders tackle a 100-mile route, finishing on The Mall in central London.
Lindsay Eley-Smith had breast cancer diagnosed in 2004, a week before Joe's 18th birthday, and was cared for at Farleigh before she died in March.
"I am proud to have taken part with my family supporting Help the Hospices," said Joe. "I would do anything for my local hospice so if our efforts help one person and their family that is more than we could hope for.
"In 2004 my life changed forever when my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. Since that day, a week before my 18th birthday, we had some fantastic times with her and it was nothing short of a miracle that she was with us for as long as she was.
"I applied for a place with Help the Hospices in January and she was equally as thrilled as I was when my place was confirmed.
"My stepfather David and sister Ellen were also so excited that they signed up themselves.
"We would have been lost without the love, care and support that our hospice has provided for us over the years and this was a small way of repaying them for all of their efforts."
The ride started at the new Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and was part of a series of events in the capital, including an eight-mile FreeCycle around the city's landmarks as well as a Grand Prix for aspiring young cyclists and a 221-kilometre race for the professionals.
Joe and his family have raised about £3,120, with £800 raised within two days of setting up a Facebook group for the challenge.
He added: "It was very challenging but we prepared well for it and was great fun and good to have the freedom of London without traffic or lights.
"If this ride is going on 20 years from now no one can take away from us that we were one of the first to take part.
"It was very emotional under the circumstances, we'd hoped our mum would be there with us, but friends and family where there at the finish line.
"Although we found it really tough we came through it and we knew we'd done mum proud," said Joe.
