Tom Howe takes on 200 miles for a Cornwall children’s hospice

Three days. More than 200 miles. Some of the South West’s toughest hills, back to back.

A Cornwall-based radio presenter is gearing up for the biggest physical challenge of his career to date, riding more than 200 miles in aid of Children’s Hospice South West.

Tom Howe, Assistant Editor at CHAOS Radio, takes on Ride for Precious Lives between Friday 10 July and Sunday 12 July. He has named his personal fundraising effort “The Tom A Thon.”

Three hospices, three days in the saddle

The annual sponsored cycle links CHSW’s three children’s hospices across the region. It begins at Charlton Farm Hospice in North Somerset, passes Little Bridge House near Barnstaple, and finishes at Little Harbour Hospice in St Austell.

Riders cover between 70 and 80 miles a day. They climb some of the steepest hills in the South West along the way, riding alongside CHSW staff, volunteers, families and supporters.

Why he took it on

“At CHAOS Radio, we work in the community day in, day out – celebrating its successes and challenging its barriers,” Tom said. “But I felt we needed to really throw ourselves into something huge to help people better appreciate the amount of work that goes in, and the impact it makes on that very community.”

Last year the CHAOS team broadcast from Little Harbour on the morning of the grand depart. It stayed with him.

“I thought, I want to give something back – and use my platform to reach as many people as possible,” he said.

The fundraising so far

Tom’s challenge is backed by Clive Mitchell Cycles and Cornwall Bicycle Project, with community fundraising already well underway. A recent charity quiz night at The Ship Inn in Portloe raised close to £500, supported by local businesses including Tregothnan Estate, The Eden Project and Truro City Football Club.

The target is £1,250.

“We appreciate the current climate and cost of living,” Tom said, “and we understand that not everyone will be able to donate towards the £1,250 fundraising target. But even a single share on social media can make an incredible impact on the children, their families, the nurses, CHSW staff and the volunteers who support them.”

People can donate through Tom’s fundraising page. The CHAOS team will be on the road throughout, sharing daily updates and behind-the-scenes moments live at chaos.radio.

The charity behind the ride

Children’s Hospice South West is the only children’s hospice charity in the South West, with three hospices in Devon, North Somerset and Cornwall. It supports more than 500 families across the region, offering hospice stays, emergency care, palliative care and end-of-life care, all free to families. Running the three hospices costs over £16 million a year.

“I’m fundraising for Children’s Hospice South West to help make the most of short and precious lives,” he said. “The care they provide is extraordinary, and I’m proud to be riding in support of the families who rely on it now and in the future.”