Tour de Kernow: 181 miles, three days and tears in Truro

Three days, 181 miles, and a finish line outside Royal Cornwall Hospital where, by one rider’s account, the tears were entirely genuine.

A team of hospital staff, patients and supporters has raised more than £36,000 for Royal Cornwall Hospitals Charity after completing this year’s Pedal 4 Patients Tour de Kernow. And the total is still rising.

Now in its sixth year, the ride is one of the highlights of the charity fundraising calendar. It brings together people from across Cornwall to support patients and services at the Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust (RCHT).

From Truro to Sennen and back again

Over three days the team cycled 181 miles around Cornwall, starting and finishing at Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro.

Day one was the longest stage of the tour, a 70-mile ride from Truro to Sennen.

On day two the cyclists covered a further 67 miles, travelling from Camborne to Padstow and on to Bodmin.

The final day brought a 44-mile route from Bodmin around the Roseland Peninsula and back to Royal Cornwall Hospital.

Along the way riders took on challenging climbs, coastal roads and changing weather, backed by a dedicated team of volunteers who helped keep the event running smoothly.

“Spills, thrills, laughter”

Antony Ewart, a Specialist Nurse Practitioner at RCHT, was one of the riders.

“What an incredible three days! I genuinely think I’ve just ridden with some of the most determined people I’ve ever had the privilege of meeting,” he said.

“We’ve had spills, thrills, laughter, and moments where we’ve all had to dig deep. But what stood out most was how everyone supported each other and kept pushing forward. That was something truly special.

“The tears at the end today were genuine. I’ve never seen a group of people push themselves and each other quite like we did. What we achieved together was absolutely epic.”

Where the money goes

Karen Murrish, Fundraising Manager for Royal Cornwall Hospitals Charity, said: “Pedal 4 Patients is always a special event, but this year’s Tour de Kernow has been truly inspirational. To see so many cyclists, including hospital staff, patients and supporters, come together to take on 181 miles across Cornwall is an incredible achievement.

“The event continues to grow in popularity and demonstrates the incredible support our local communities have for the charity and our hospitals.

“Every rider has their own reason for taking part, but they are all united by a desire to make a difference for patients and families across our hospitals.”

She thanked every cyclist, volunteer, supporter and sponsor, along with the businesses that back the event: The Walk Wheel Cycle Trust, Pendennis Shipyard, Kier Construction, TClarke, Nevada Construction and Britannia Lanes.

“The funds raised will help us continue supporting projects, equipment and enhancements that go above and beyond NHS funding, making a real difference to patients, families and staff,” Karen added.

How to donate

Donations can still be made through the 2026 Pedal 4 Patients Tour de Kernow JustGiving page. To find out more about Royal Cornwall Hospitals Charity, email [email protected].