Family cycling challenge for local hospice

A Nuneaton family who have already raised thousands of pounds for Mary Ann Evans Hospice are taking on a new challenge as they celebrate a decade of supporting the local charity.

Roy Davenport, alongside his son David, daughter Sarah and grandson Owen, will tackle the Tommy Godwin Challenge in Birmingham on Sunday 28th June. The family will complete a demanding 45-mile (75km) cycling route, with all sponsorship and donations going towards their annual Cromdale Road Christmas Lights fundraising appeal in aid of Mary Ann Evans Hospice.

The challenge marks another milestone in a fundraising journey that has become a true family affair.

Roy only took up cycling around a year ago after being gifted a bicycle. Initially, he simply wanted to accompany his son David, a keen runner who regularly competes in marathons, during training sessions. Before long, weekly family rides became part of life for Roy, David, Sarah, grandson Owen and granddaughter Jessica.

What started as a way to spend time together soon developed into a passion, leading the family to sign up for the Tommy Godwin Challenge.

The sponsored ride forms part of the Davenport family's ongoing support for Mary Ann Evans Hospice. Roy and his wife Denise are preparing for their tenth year of fundraising through their popular Cromdale Road Christmas Lights display, which has become a festive attraction for local residents.

Over the past nine years, supporters have helped the family raise an impressive £7,795.05 for the hospice through donations collected at the display and via their dedicated JustGiving page.

Mary Ann Evans Hospice provides specialist care and support for people living with life-limiting illnesses, while also offering vital support to families and carers. Like many hospices across the country, it relies heavily on donations from the local community.

Despite recent economic pressures and the rising cost of living, Roy says local people have continued to support the cause year after year.

Preparations for the Christmas lights display are already underway. While the decorations are usually installed from late October, planning for each year's theme begins much earlier. The family also continues to invest in modern, energy-efficient LED lighting to minimise environmental impact while maintaining the spectacle visitors have come to expect.

This year's Christmas Lights Switch-On is planned for 1 December at 6pm and will once again feature a crowd countdown, fireworks display and an appearance from local favourite, the Nuneaton Grinch.

Before taking on their cycling challenge, Roy and Denise will also be promoting the event at the Mary Ann Evans Hospice Summer Fayre, taking place in the hospice gardens from 12pm to 3pm on Saturday 27th June.

The fundraising efforts come during a special year for the hospice, which is celebrating its 35th anniversary with a series of events throughout 2026.

Anyone wishing to support Roy, Denise and their family can donate through their Cromdale Christmas Lights JustGiving page, with all proceeds helping Mary Ann Evans Hospice continue its work within the local community.