The first-ever Mountain Bike Challenge, organised by Pendle Panthers BMX Club and Cycle Sport Pendle, successfully raised an impressive £9,249.23 for Pendleside Hospice.

The event, held on Sunday, 9th June, attracted 138 enthusiastic riders who braved the elements for a wonderful cause.

Starting at Towneley Park in Burnley, the challenge offered three routes tailored to different levels of experience. People could choose to cycle 9.5 miles, 16.5 miles or go for the longest route at 26 miles! Cyclists took off through rugged off-road paths around Burnley and Pendle and despite the weather, the event was filled with smiles and laughter.

Pendle Panthers, a not-for-profit organisation founded by Manny Bashah and Andy Mcghie in 2016, played a pivotal role in organising the event. Since its inception with just six children, the club has grown to support 150 young riders, aged three and up, thanks to the dedication of coaches alongside Manny and Andy, including Simon Cheung, Erika Wilson, Claire Brindle, Gareth Maybury, and Emma Mac. The club's rapid expansion has even resulted in a substantial waiting list of eager participants.

Reflecting on the journey, Manny Bashah said, "When I founded the club eight years ago, I could never have imagined it growing to this scale! It's incredible to witness so many young people in our area taking part. Andy and I brought Barrowford’s pump track to life, located next to Steven Burke's Cycling Hub, and it's become more than just a track; we've created a community."

Manny expressed his pride in the success of their first Mountain Bike Challenge. "We're always looking for ways to get involved in charity fundraising, and I'm astonished at the amount of money we raised for Pendleside Hospice. As a team, we've ridden the lights at Blackpool before this, cycled the three peaks of Pendle, and I've also taken part in the Sue Ryder Bronte Off Road Bike Challenge, which inspired this year's event."

Looking ahead, Manny is optimistic about the future. "Next year, we'd love to go bigger and better—and fingers crossed for a little more sunshine! We'll be planning the Mountain Bike Challenge again for June next year, so keep an eye out on Pendleside Hospice's website for more details."

Manny's son, Eesa, 11, highlighted the camaraderie within the club, saying, "The best thing about being part of the BMX group is the people. The coaches are really nice, and I've made some good friends. I’ve been watching the Olympics too—it's amazing what stunts you can do with just a bike!"

Coach Gareth Maybury's sons, Elliott, 10, and Theo, 8, supported the event by manning the check-points, providing refreshments and encouragement to the cyclists. "We had flapjacks, bananas, water, and lots of sweets to keep the cyclists going! It rained a lot, and everyone was really muddy, but we cheered the riders on when they passed through."

Among the riders was Pauline Shalliker, who participated in memory of her mother, Dorothy Shalliker, who passed away at Pendleside Hospice in May. Pauline, along with her brother-in-law Darren Marsden, embraced the challenge to give back to our charity that has provided such invaluable support.

Pauline’s sister, Linda Marsden, praised the care from Pendleside, adding, “My mum was first diagnosed with bowel cancer in her fifties, and after successful surgery, she remained in remission for years. When the cancer returned, she underwent several years of chemotherapy, but the treatment eventually took a toll on her health. Earlier this year, my mum spent six weeks in the hospital before receiving Hospice at Home support. By April, she was referred to Pendleside’s inpatient unit, giving us some peace knowing she was in the best possible care.”

"We were aware of the Hospice’s services, but we didn’t quite know what was involved, and the care and compassion we received as a family was amazing.”

"I always assumed that the Hospice primarily supported those in need of direct care,” adds Pauline. “But they are there for the families too. We could visit our mother whenever we wanted, and amenities like a visitor kitchen that we could use at any time, and having breakfast made for us when we visited during the night, made us all feel valued."

"I saw the Mountain Bike Challenge event being advertised at Pendleside and I thought this would be a great opportunity to do something I love, while being able to raise funds for a charity close to our hearts.”

Darren, also a keen mountain bike rider, got involved in the challenge, and between them, they raised a fantastic £595 for Pendleside.

Our comprehensive care extends beyond patients to include families, ensuring everyone feels supported during challenging times. Learn more about our services today, or call 01282 440 100.