A decade of daffies raises over £1.8m for Marie Curie

LimeLight Sports Club, organisers of Etape Caledonia, the UK’s original closed-roads sportive, is set to mark a decade in partnership with Marie Curie this May. The event partnership has been instrumental in helping to contribute over £1.8m to Marie Curie since they first started working with organisers of the event.

Marie Curie first partnered with Etape Caledonia in 2012, and has renewed their commitment every year since. Over the years thousands of cyclists having taken part in “Team Daffodil” to raise vital funds for the much-loved end of life charity.

With the 2022 event just weeks away, and thousands of cyclists from all over the UK expected to descend on Pitlochry to participate, organisers are urging riders to consider signing up to support Marie Curie again this year.

Marie Curie fundraising places are still available for Etape Caledonia 2022 which takes place on Sunday, May 15, in Highland Perthshire. By cycling for Team Marie Curie, participants will be enabling Marie Curie Nurses to continue to provide essential care to people living with a terminal illness, and vital emotional support to their loved ones. Team Marie Curie charity places start at £20 for a 40-mile place (£150 minimum sponsorship) and for an 85-mile place there’s a £40 registration fee (£350 minimum sponsorship).

Every penny makes a difference with just £20 paying for an hour of expert care and emotional support for someone living with a terminal illness, in the comfort of their own home and £66 paying for the heating of a Marie Curie hospices for a day.

James Robinson, managing director at LimeLight Sports Club, said:

“We are urging riders to take the opportunity to support this hugely worthwhile cause by registering for a charity place and raising much needed funds for Marie Curie. We know the charity sector has come under tremendous strain in the past 18 months, so fundraising is more important than ever. The work that Marie Curie does is inspiring, and we hope their efforts will motivate people to get on their bike in Highland Perthshire on May 15th at Etape Caledonia.”

Jim Stewart, Marie Curie Community Fundraiser, Scotland, said:

“As the official charity partner for Etape Caledonia, we hope cyclists from across the UK will be inspired to get pedalling for team Marie Curie and raise vital funds for families living with terminal illness. The extraordinary funds raised by thousands of cyclists over the last decade have made such a difference to so many, we truly hope they can support us once again this year. Their fundraising efforts really make a difference on the ground and help a great many people access the care and support they need at the end of their life. Behind every daffodil there’s a story and, by riding for the Team Daffodil, people can show their support.”

The Etape Caledonia was the UK’s first and original closed-roads event when it was launched in 2007. LimeLight Sports Club is encouraging past participants to get back in the saddle on May 15 to pedal Perthshire on an 85-mile and 40-mile closed-roads circuit that takes in some of Scotland’s most stunning landscapes.

Participants wishing to register for Etape Caledonia and raise money for Marie Curie should visit www.etapecaledonia.co.uk

For media enquiries contact Tricia Fox on 07989 955039 or 01738 700130 or t.fox@wearecunninglygood.com