The words ‘pub’ and ‘exercise’ aren’t often found in the same sentence.
But they’re becoming synonymous with the Royal Exchange as a 24-hour indoor cycling event at the Lindford pub has raised £6,200 for an East Hampshire charity.
Dozens of fundraisers are giving their legs a rest after cycling through the day and night in 30-minute shifts for the Rosemary Foundation.
Participants who saddled up on the two exercise bikes in the ‘Lindford Le Mans’ were encouraged by organisers, Melody Care, a care at home firm with branches in Alton and Aldershot, to donate £10 to the good cause.
Whitehill & Bordon mayor, Cllr Leeroy Scott, led the starting countdown with Melody Care’s Andrew Tippins and Post & Herald chief reporter, Paul Ferguson, getting the wheels turning at midday last Friday.
And there were cheers – and beers – the following day with a Peroni-assisted Lee Fry and Farnham & Bordon MP, Greg Stafford, being the last pair to get on their bikes.
The event raised nearly double the proceeds from the inaugural challenge in 2025 with donations and a Friday night auction led by the superb Mark Head: The Charity Auctioneer raising £3,700 alone. Melody Care and pub owners, Brakspear, both donated £1,000 while Gift Aid pushed the final figure to the £6,200 mark.
“We’re really happy,” said Alton & Bordon Melody Care Branch Manager, Lou Driver.
“There’s so many people and companies we want to thank for their support and donations. Even if you only put it £5 it will make a difference.”
“The auction was brilliant – we’ve loved holding this,” said Royal Exchange manager, Amy Pieri, while Lindford Parish Council chair, Ron Ruttle, loved taking part.
He said: “It’s a really wonderful community event and there’s a real buzz about it.
“It was brilliant last year but it’s just getting better and better.”
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