Annual 'Marvelous' bike ride in memory of George to raise money for charity

Those taking part in George’s Marvelous Bike Ride will start from The Barge Inn, Bradford on Avon, at 10am, with three possible routes available from 18 miles to 36 miles.

The annual memorial bike ride was launched following the death of nine-year-old George Hutchings in 2012. George had quadriplegic cerebral palsy and benefited hugely from similar specialist services in his local area of Ipswich during his lifetime.

George’s mum Anna grew up in Seend where his gran, Hilary Hutchings, still lives today. The family is keen to continue supporting local charities that provide services for children like George.

Miss Hutchings said: “When George died unexpectedly in March 2012, we wanted to continue helping others like him, to enhance their lives and relieve the pressure on their families.

“Funds raised through the bike ride aims to do just that and is a fitting tribute to George, who loved the outdoors.”

Stepping Stones, which serves children in west Wiltshire with learning difficulties and disabilities, lost £10,000 of funding from Wiltshire Council in February, after central government withdrew its Aiming High For Disabled Children grants.

This left the centre needing to raise £50,000 a year and prompted the Wiltshire Times to launch a campaign to make up the shortfall, with the total raised now standing at more than £12,000.

Sarah Cottle, fundraising co-ordinator at Stepping Stones, said: “We are delighted that the bike ride is raising money for Stepping Stones this year.

“Children with Special Needs from all over West Wiltshire will benefit enormously from the money raised as it will go towards supporting them and their families.”

Last year’s event saw more than 60 cyclists ride from Bradford on Avon to Bristol and back, raising over £6,500 for Thomas Wolsey School – George’s former special school in Ipswich.

There is still time to register at www.georgesmarvellousbikeride.org.uk