A charity bike ride supported by a handful of riders raising £2,500 in its first year has now broken through £100,000 raised for St David’s Hospice Care.

The annual Dalmatian Bike Ride, which now attracts hundreds of riders, has also signed up Newport-based multi-specialist recruitment and training agency Acorn as it first major sponsor.

This year’s Dalmatian Bike Ride is on Saturday, June 4, There are two routes available, one of 20 miles and another of forty. The longer route is roughly circular starting in Newport before heading into the Gwent wetlands to Magor and then returning to Caerleon.

Event organiser and keen cyclist Dave Rees, from St Julian’s, Newport, said: “I can hardly believe how far we have managed to come and how much we have managed to raise over the past four years - it’s phenomenal.

“And the icing on the cake is being able to announce that Acorn has agreed to sponsor the Dalmatian Bike Ride. To think we just set ourselves the target of raising £2,500 in that first year and have now raised a total of £101,000.”

Dave and colleagues started the bike ride following the death of his father in law, John Dixon, who had been cared for in his last days at St Anne’s Hospice, Newport.

Acorn’s managing director Matt Southall said: “We all have personal experience of St David’s Hospice Care and the truly marvellous work they do for our local community."

Matt, who has also pledged to take part in the Dalmatian Bike Ride this year, said: “I have been aware of the Dalmatian Bike Ride for some time and was keen for Acorn to play a part and help raise awareness of the event.

“I will be joined by a number of Acorn staff in the ride and we’re all looking forward to getting involved in aid of a truly worthy cause.”

Tania Ansell, of St David’s Hospice Care, said: “We’re very grateful to The Dalmatian Bike Ride for supporting us so brilliantly and staging such a fantastic event that is enjoyed enormously every year by all that take part.

“We are also very grateful to The Priory, at Caerleon, who have been extremely supportive of the Dalmatian Bike Ride by throwing open their garden and facilities for riders and supporters to relax in and enjoy after their strenuous efforts on the day.”

The cost per rider has been held at £20 per person which includes an event Tech Tee shirt. However riders can pay an extra £15 and receive a full cycle top which can be used all year round. There will be the barbeque at the end of the ride at The Priory Hotel garden in Caerleon which will be attended by Cruella De Ville and her Dalmatians.

Riders can register online at www.stdavidshospicecare.or or www.dalmatianbikeride.com.