Cycling UK East Midlands Region Mince Pie Run 2024

Cycling UK East Midlands Region Mince Pie Run 2024:

The 2024 edition of the Mince Pie Run (first held back in 1978) was notable for the poor weather conditions with squally winds, rain, sleet and snow. So poor was the weather that the scheduled rides over in Lincolnshire all got cancelled. With temperatures no higher than about 4 Degrees Celsius and a wind chill of zero, lead organiser John Catt along with Ian Hill and Terry Scott were wondering how many might attend. 

In the end about 200 cyclists battled through the conditions, including three from CTC Derby and Burton. A great effort. Ian noted that “at one time the hall was about full with riders enjoying the refreshments, chat and warmth before the various rides back home. Some came in Christmas fancy dress - a Santa and Christmas Pudding were seen”. Cycling UK East Midlands Region Chair, Ian Prince also spotted John Catt and Terry Scott behind festive funny glasses.

Derek Willans once again ran the tombola on behalf of Rainbows Hospice for Babies, Children and Young People. Some great prizes were on offer, including those donated by Mercian Cycles.

John Catt confirmed that following the deduction of expenses (food/drink/hall hire etc) the net surplus was £170 along with an additional £755 raised from the Tombola. A presentation took place at Rainbows Hospice in Loughborough on 20th February 2025 when Ian Hill, John Catt and Tim Newbery were present to hand over the cheque to Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People's Jenny Ball, who's their Community Fundraiser along with Neil Swift. The amount was rounded up to a total of £950.

Many thanks go to the organisers, volunteers and all of those who attended the Mince Pie Run. A superb effort.

Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People

Rainbows cares for hundreds of families every year who have a baby, child or young person with a serious or terminal illness. 

The Charity celebrated its milestone 30th birthday in 2024. Since 1994 the Hospice, based in Loughborough, has grown and developed to provide a holistic range of vital support services and care that go beyond the immediate needs of the individual child or young person. 

A new outreach service sees specialist Rainbows Nurses working in hospitals across the East Midlands.  Volunteers play and integral role helping out at the hospice, shops, hospitals and raising funds across the whole region. 

The cost of running the hospice is staggering with total expenditure in 2023/2024 a little over 9 million pounds. Total income grew to 9 and a half million pounds thanks to the incredible help from supporters, donors, funders and volunteers.

Cycling UK East Midlands Region was happy to have helped in some small way.

Thank you letter attached.