Only Fools and Donkeys marks 10 years of charity bike rides

The first charity ride, Mule Bretagne took place in 2014 with a group of 27 riders and followed one set route which started and ended in St Malo. This year the charity are heading back to St Malo with 55 riders, who have the choice of three routes – 60, 80 or 100 miles.

The riders will be supported by a 10-person crew.

‘We are very proud of how the far the bike rides have come in 10 years, the charities and projects we have been able to support with the £250,000 that has been raised in that time, and the community of Mules that has been created,’ said Only Fools and Donkey’s board chairwoman Sharon Parr.

‘We can’t do any of this without our sponsors and we are incredibly grateful to our Yellow Jersey sponsors for this year’s ride.

‘The majority of our sponsors are also riders, as is our recently expanded board, which has welcomed four new board members. This is not only due to the new charities regulations but also as a result of the success and longevity of the charity. I believe this says a huge amount about the rides we have undertaken over the years and also the charity itself.’

The charity bike rides raise money for children and adults with learning difficulties.

‘Only Fools and Donkeys supports children, young people and adults with learning difficulties and physical disabilities on the island and it is wonderful to see the breadth of work the charity supports,’ said board member Mike Collenette.

‘From the purchase of a side by side bike for the Autism Hub and support of a gym buddy scheme with Headway, to a significant contribution to the installation of the lift at La Vallette to make the site fully accessible, to the building of raised planters and the purchase of plants, seeds and tools for Le Marchant Ward at the hospital to support patient rehabilitation.

'Some of these are big cost items but we also see how the small donations can make a real difference.’

Mule d’Âne-versaire is taking place from 8 to 15 June and will cover a scenic route from St Malo through Mont St Michel, Vitre, Nantes, Saint Nazaire, and Rennes.

To see who will be cycling on this year’s ride and to make a donation please visit www.only-fools-and-donkeys.com.