CONSIDERATE Rugby youngsters have inspired a group of cyclists to ride over 60 miles in aid of the town’s hospital charity.
More than 20 cyclists – eight of them 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 for a 60 mile (100km) route – although strong endurance and team spirit meant almost everyone completed 75 miles (120km) by the finish.
The group set off for Stratford from Rugby Station at 6.30am, led by Friends Trustee Gita Natarajan and Ajit Barot, formerly a volunteer at Locke House, Rugby’s record-breaking Covid vaccination centre.
They finished their round trip at 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.
In 2024, Aadhiran, 11, completed a 60 mile ride with four family members alongside him.
The following year, his sister Mithra, eight, followed in his tyre tracks with a 40-mile ride to raise funds for her school and the Friends of St Cross.
Aadhiran and Mithra’s proud 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.
Since its foundation in 1955, the Friends have helped to raise more than £4.5million for the hospital and community services in Rugby.
Friends President Willy Goldschmidt 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.”
