Kevin Hollinrake raises £6000 in a 56 mile charity bike ride

Thirsk and Malton MP, Kevin Hollinrake, said his 56 mile charity bike ride around 10 pubs in the constituency was both exhilarating and exhausting. The MP took part in a 10for10 challenge set by Guy Opperman, MP for Hexham, to mark 10 years since he was diagnosed with a brain tumour after collapsing in the House of Commons.

Mr Hollinrake, who was accompanied by Victor Buchanan from the White Swan in Pickering with Steve Collins accompanying them in a support van said he was overwhelmed by the generosity of constituents and businesses across Thirsk and Malton as donations poured in to support his efforts in aid of Ryedale Special Families.

After the ride he said “I hadn’t been on a bike for a year so I feel pretty sore but it was worth every moment. I am so grateful to everyone who has sponsored me. The ride had a dual purpose which was to raise money for a brilliant charity, based in Old Malton, which supports families with disabled children, and also to show my support for our hard hit hospitality sector which can open outdoors again this week after a long challenging year. The pub landlords were wonderfully welcoming and generous in their donations. I had to manage with water on Saturday but I am definitely looking forward to a pint this week. I’d do it again but probably not next weekend!”

Ryedale Special Families Chief Executive, Lisa Keenan said “Ryedale Special Families are very grateful to Kevin and his generous supporters for the hard work in raising this money for our charity. It is very welcome as the pandemic has seen a big drop in our traditional fundraising. This money will go to our new building fund which will provide an essential new resource for local families of children and young people with disabilities.”

The ride started in Husthwaite and included the Worsley Arms in Hovingham, the Hovingham Inn, the Grapes in Slingsby, Chapter 2 and the Royal Oak, and Wentworth Arms in Malton, the Black Swan and White Swan in Pickering, the Durham Ox at Crayke and the George Hotel in Easingwold.

If you haven’t donated and would like to you can do so here: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/kevinhollinrakecycle