Young cyclists complete 100km challenge for the Friends of St Cross

More than 20 cyclists, including eight children under the age of 12, completed a fundraising bike ride in support of the Friends of the Hospital of St Cross in Rugby.

The challenge brought together riders from Rugby, Solihull and Stratford-upon-Avon for a 100km route, although strong endurance and an incredible team spirit meant almost everyone completed 120km by the finish.

The group set off for Stratford-upon-Avon from Rugby Station at 6.30am, led by Friends Trustee Gita Natarajan and Lock House volunteer Ajit Barot, before finishing at the Webb Ellis statue later that day. They were joined by young fundraisers Aadhiran and Mithra, whose previous cycling challenges helped inspire this year’s larger community effort.

What began as a family initiative has grown into a wider celebration of community spirit, physical activity and support for local healthcare services. In 2024, Aadhiran completed a 100km ride with four family members alongside him. The following year, Mithra completed a 62km long-distance ride, raising funds for her school and the Friends of St Cross.

This year’s ride built on those achievements, bringing together families and friends of different ages and abilities with a shared goal of supporting the Hospital of St Cross and promoting positive mental and physical wellbeing.

Aadhiran and Mithra’s parents Swathika Balusamy and Sathiyamurthi Shanmugam said: “It was an incredible day blessed with the right weather and wonderful team spirit between riders of different age groups and abilities.

“Our wish is that this spreads across Rugby and beyond. We are looking forward to a much bigger team for our next chapter in 2027.”

The cyclists are aiming to raise £2,000 for the Friends of St Cross, helping the charity continue its long-standing support for the hospital and the wider Rugby community.

Willy Goldschmidt, President of the Friends of St Cross, said: “We are incredibly grateful to everyone who took part in this wonderful cycling challenge and to all those who supported them. It is inspiring to see young people, families and members of the local community giving their time and energy to support the Hospital of St Cross.

“Every donation helps the Friends continue to provide equipment and support projects which, together with a wide range of voluntary services delivered by approximately 200 volunteers, make a real difference to patients, staff and visitors in Rugby.”

Since being founded in 1955, the Friends have helped to raise more than £4.5 million for the hospital and community services in Rugby.