The Bristol Port Company have been incredible supporters of St Peter's Hospice over the years. They were part of our 'Room To Care' appeal in 2018 to support the rebuild of our Inpatient Unit building, and have since participated in many of our events as well as fundraising. We are grateful for their continued support as headline sponsor for Tour de Bristol in 2024.
We spoke to them ahead of the event...
Q. Tell us more about Bristol Port – how long have you been operating in Bristol?
There has been a port in Bristol since the Roman times, providing a vital connection between England and the world; this proud tradition continues today with The Bristol Port Company. Since 1991, The Bristol Port Company has invested over £600 million pounds in creating a thriving, modern business offering the full range of shipping, distribution and logistics services.
Q. Why did you want to sponsor the St Peter's Hospice Tour de Bristol bike ride in 2024?
As a local charity close to the port, a number of our colleagues, family and friends have used the amazing services that St Peter's Hospice provides. It is very much a cause close to our hearts and we are delighted to sponsor this fantastic event that brings everyone together in our city.
Q. What do you hope the bike ride will achieve?
A great day and experience for riders whilst raising awareness of the care and services that St Peter's Hospice provides. We hope the event helps to raise funds to support the outstanding work that St Peter's Hospice does, so that they can continue to support families in Bristol for years to come.
Q. We know that many of the team from Bristol Port have taken part in the ride previously, do they have any advice for our 2024 riders?
"Try and do it with a friend or colleagues as it helps to keep your spirits up!"
"Keep hydrated, carry water bottles with you if you can."
"Communicate along the way, chatting helps keep spirits up."
"Stop at the designated stations and make sure you eat along the way"
"Think of the end and what you can enjoy to celebrate – for me it's a couple of social beers with my colleagues."
Fears Watch Company, known as 'Fears', is a family-run British watch company based in the vibrant Paintworks creative quarter of Bristol and most recently, no. 4 Clifton Arcade.
The brand was re-established in 2016 by Nicholas Bowman-Scargill, the fourth-generation managing director and great-great-great-grandson of Edwin Fear. The brand's mantra of 'Elegantly Understated' can be seen throughout their watches that are still proudly hand-built in Britain. The Fears collection is a sophisticated yet contemporary range of watches that retain inspiration from their vast archive.
Given its deep-rooted connection to Bristol's heritage, Fears aptly lends its support to the Tour de Bristol.
Why are you supporting St Peter's Hospice?
As a family-run watch company, we deeply value the significance of fostering trust and respect to nurture enduring relationships with all our partners. We commend the dedicated efforts of the hospice in offering expert support and quality care to individuals residing in the Bristol area.
By supporting the Tour de Bristol, we aim to contribute to a delightful day out for all riders, while also securing essential funding for the hospice to sustain its invaluable services within the local community.
TLD Cycles are a bicycle repair store based in Stokes Croft, Bristol
As a repairs and servicing business, TLD Cycles exists to make cycling rewarding and affordable. Maximise your enjoyment of cycling with a well maintained bike and in return you’ll see the benefits of body, mind and planet. A fitting way to raise money for St Peter's Hospice.
Why are you supporting St Peter's Hospice?
St Peter's Hospice offered support for my grandad in his final days. I'll be honest and say until Bamp's went to the Hospice I had no idea about them or of the work they do. To this day I can't help but still feel so grateful and privileged that such much care, love and attention was given to what was a complete stranger to them. He meant the world to us and not once did we feel uneasy. It was like being with a second family, I could most likely write an essay but we've training to do! We'll never forget, only cherish.
That was 6 years ago now we used the hospice services and I've the opportunity to do something in return. When times seem hard, remember why you signed up for the ride, remember the loved ones, the staff who helped them and the difference your ride and sponsorship will make. You might be a complete beginner or an elite cyclist - but just like the Hospice we're one big family coming together to do our part.
We're so grateful to have the generous support of Rapid Relief Team at Tour de Bristol this year; they will be offering free breakfast rolls to cyclists in the morning making sure they're ready for the ride ahead.
Thank you to our headline sponsors The Bristol Port Company. The event is also kindly supported by Fears, Alé Cycling, TLD Cycles and Rapid Relief Team.
We want everyone to get the care they deserve, which is why we're aiming to double the number of people we support by 2030.
To achieve this, we're delighted to introduce you to our updated look. Research carried out last year revealed there were many barriers to people accessing our support. Our modernised look helps breaks down misconceptions about St Peter's, which will help us connect with more of our local communities.
