London to Paris in 24 hours: member Peter Holst's charity bike ride for Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare

Peter Holst will be embarking on the experience of a lifetime on 8 September 2019, when he cycles 300km from London to Paris in just 24 hours to raise money for Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare. Peter has cared for over 420 pets all over the world in the ten years that he and his wife Debs have been members, many of which had come from refuges or animal welfare organisations.  

The decision to do the bike ride started as a personal challenge in 2016 but an accident at the time prevented him from completing it. Peter has decided to revisit his dream of completing the 24 hour bike ride, and this time he’ll be fundraising for Raystede - a decision he came to following his house and pet sitting experiences with TrustedHousesitters...

"My involvement of being a registered house/petsitter with TrustedHousesitters has raised a close awareness of this very significant and important animal welfare organisation in the UK. Raystede survives solely on donations to operate.  Deb and I visited the centre this month and we were amazed at the size, organisation, facilities and layout for animals (of any kind and size) that are in their care. What also amazed us was the volume of visitors that are attracted to the centre."

He’ll also be embarking on the challenge with his son Glenn, who will be travelling over from Australia for the occasion on August 28th, leaving him just 8 days to train before the bike ride commences!

Peter’s support and enthusiasm for Raystede are routed not only within the hard work they do in helping animals in need of all kinds but in how it attracts different types of visitors. Raystede is somewhere where people can interact directly with animals and perhaps even meet their next pet. To help them continue in the brilliant work they do, Peter has set the target of raising two thousand pounds. 

"I take it in my stride to ask for donations for this wonderful charity in recognition of my challenge. Any donations received will help the centre immensely and mean that they can continue to provide the welfare and care for those animals in need and in between one owner and the next."

At 66 years of age, this will be no easy feat - and whereas other riders usually have a huge support network during their cycle, Peter will simply be riding to meet his wife Debs at the finish line — so needs all the support he can get!