Downton Abbey star, Jim Carter, is due to take part in a 450 km charity cycle ride in Madagascar in support of Richard House Children’s Hospice, of which he is a patron.
Jim, who plays butler Carson in the hit ITV show, is a keen cyclist and has taken part in many charity rides in the past 15 years. “This will be the thirteenth time I have done a Charity Cycle Challenge, but possibly the final one!” he says.
How will he stay motivated? “Once you get going it’s fun – usually! I stay motivated because I want to ride the whole distance and I would feel that I was letting my sponsors down if I wimped out on any sections of the ride too.”
The six day challenge, which begins next Friday (10 October) will take cyclists through the heart of Madagascar, and will include more than, off-road sections and ascents of 1000m. Jim will be doing the cycle for the charity he became a patron of two years ago.
“Having visited Richard House over the years I know how hard staff and volunteers work to raise funds and I wanted to help. I’m constantly humbled and amazed by the wonderful work they do for children with life-limiting conditions and for their families and I’ve funded the costs of the trip so every penny donated will directly make a difference to the lives of children at the hospice.
“Hopefully the cycle can raise awareness of the importance of children’s hospices as well as money,” adds Jim.
Jim’s wife Imelda Staunton OBE, is also a patron of the hospice, a role she has held since 2005.
Peter Ellis, Chief Executive at Richard House, said: “We wish Jim all the best as he heads to Madagascar to take on the challenge. He is a both valued patron and friend of Richard House and we are absolutely delighted that he will be cycling to raise funds and awareness of the crucial services we provide here at Richard House.”
Leave a Reply