WILTSHIRE Council has announced the return of their charity bike ride – and this year’s event will pay tribute to the late Wiltshire councillor, Jerry Wickham, who represented the villages surrounding Westbury from 2013 to 2019.
The charity bike ride, that has been renamed in Jerry’s honour, will take place on Thursday 22nd September with riders having the option to participate in either a 30-mile route or a 100-mile route.
The ride will be in aid of The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity and Dorothy House Hospice. Jerry championed The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity for many years and money donated to them will go directly towards research for prostate cancer. Dorothy House Hospice cared for Jerry towards the end of his life.
Jerry’s wife, cllr Suzanne Wickham said, “He was so dedicated to serving the people of Ethandune and he was keen to make sure that they felt represented. A lot of people on the villages he covered had a tremendous amount of respect and love for him.
“One thing that the people of Dilton Marsh might remember him for is his work in keeping the post office open when it faced closure, which was huge for the village at the time. The two charities that will receive funding from this event are the two places that were pivotal in keeping him going until he sadly died at Dorothy House.
“He was such a keen cyclist – he’s the sort of man who would just go out for a quick bike ride and end up riding 70 miles, so this event is the best way to honour him. He would be so pleased to see that Wiltshire Council is fundraising for charities that he was passionate about and in his name.
“Jerry worked as a cabinet member for adult and social care, and that’s where the brunt of his attention was focussed as it was his absolute passion and he worked tirelessly to improve the situation in Wiltshire for adult and social care. His tireless devotion is an inspiration to us all.”
Jerry was a police officer before becoming a Wiltshire councillor in 2013 and represented the villages of Ethandune until his death in 2019.
Terence Herbert, Wiltshire Council chief executive said, “Jerry was a keen cyclist, and we’re delighted to be continuing to honour his memory in this way. He was always striving to help and improve the lives of the people of Wiltshire and the funds we hope to raise will continue to help us and the charities involved to do this.
“We look forward to the event and hope to raise as much money for these two great charities. I’m looking forward to getting on my bike I’m sure Jerry will be with us on the day, encouraging us up those beautiful Wiltshire rolling hills towards the finishing line!”
People are encouraged to donate what they can and using the Just Giving Page (www.justgiving.com/team/wiltshirecouncil) people can choose which charity their donation is shared with. The aim is to make donations as even as possible between the two charities.
