The annual event is organised by Coventry construction firm Deeley Group in tandem with Coventry Road Club. It has raised more than £70,000 for local good causes since its inception in 2014.
Noah Ferguson, aged two-and-a-half and from Nuneaton, is one of the many children the hospice supports. He was born with a brain malformation from a genetically inherited condition and had continual seizures from the minute he was born.
Noah had brain surgery at six weeks old and has been diagnosed with drug resistant epilepsy, cerebral palsy and faces other daily challenges. Noah has experienced more hardship in his young life than most encounter during their entire lives, yet he’s constantly smiling and full of joy.
His big brother Joseph, 9, and parents Becky and Colin play a big part in Noah’s positivity.
Becky said: “From the day Noah was born, we struggled to keep Joseph away from the hospital. He is so protective of him and Noah is also so protective of him in his own little way.
“Noah was in hospital for three months and we couldn’t be at home with Joseph. In these situations, it’s so easy for siblings to get overlooked.
“Zoe’s Place has given Joseph time with us again. There is not jealously, and he loves coming to Zoe’s to pick Noah up. It’s given him a focus and helps him understand he is not alone in this journey.”
Only 15% to 20% of the £1.8 million it takes to run the hospice comes through Government or NHS Statutory Funding.
Becky added: “We’d like to say a big ‘thank you’ to the organisers of the Starley Sportive and other wonderful supporters of Zoe’s Place. Please keep doing what you are doing, so they can help more families like ours for many years to come.”
The Fergusons have co-ordinated several fundraising activities for Zoe’s Place. Joseph has led the way, orchestrating a recent cake sale that raised hundreds for the hospice.
Joseph said: “At Zoe’s, they keep Noah happy and help us take him out to places he enjoys. They help my mum and dad too, which means we can all have more fun together.”
Eleanor Deeley, Joint Managing Director at Deeley Group, said: “We’re proud to once again be supporting Zoe’s Place with proceeds from our Starley Sportive bike ride.
“Zoe’s Place Coventry offers such a vital service to families when they need it most. I know the respite care they provide really is a lifeline so many families in the region.”
