Nello cyclists have special reasons for taking part
FORCE Cancer Charity’s largest annual fundraiser – The Nello bike ride – is less than two months away and cyclists from across Devon and around the country are gearing up for the big day on Sunday June 28.
Since the first Nello Century Cycle Challenge in 2000, the ride has raised £1.5million for Exeter-based FORCE, which works locally to support anyone affected by cancer, face-to-face and close to home.
The charity has set a target of raising £127,500 from Nello 2026 to meet the increasing demand for its unique services.
Around 1,000 cyclists are expected to line up for the start of this year’s event at Topsham Rugby Club, ready to tackle 60 or 100 miles through beautiful Devon countryside and a small part of Somerset.
Many of them have a special reason for riding.
Grateful
Lee Merry is a cancer nurse whose family has been repeatedly touched by the disease – his grandmother, mother and aunt have all had breast cancer – while Lee Sellens had his left kidney removed after a Grade 2 diagnosis and is now cancer free.
Carol Bourner (pictured) is taking part in memory of her dad. 
“My amazing dad was supported by FORCE at the end of his life and we have been forever grateful to FORCE for this. He was the one who taught my sister and I how to ride a bike and he was the one who entered us into our first bike ride event many years ago!” she explained.
Brilliant
Rich Butler is also grateful for support from FORCE.
“My wife has terminal bowel cancer and the staff at the RD&E are brilliant as are the staff, counsellors and therapists at FORCE,” he said.
Rich also praised the work of FORCE’s specialist oncology physiotherapist Louise Ballagher and cancer rehab expert Rob Amor.
“May I also give a massive shout out to Lou and Rob for the exercise class at the Isca Centre on Thursdays. It’s not only good for cancer patients but also for their partners to get together for a social chat and catch-up over a coffee.
“The complementary therapies are also fantastic. Thank you all at FORCE for your amazing work,” he added.
Popular
Starting and finishing at Topsham Rugby Club, The Nello is one of the most rides popular in the region.
It is always held on the final Sunday in June in memory of Topsham restaurateur Nello Ghezzo.
In 1997 he and good friend Marc Millon cycled from Topsham to St Mark’s Square in Venice to raise money for FORCE.
When Nello died of cancer in 1999 at the age of 50, Marc and his wife, Kim, decided to organise a cycle ride to raise money in his memory.
Nello riders set off from Topsham in batches from 8am and head towards the first refreshments stop at Tiverton Rugby Club where the course divides.
Demanding
The longer route takes cyclists through Dulverton, up on to Exmoor and through South Molton before the long run home.
The shorter distance involves a demanding climb up Long Drag, through Withleigh and on to Nomansland where there is another refreshment stop at the cricket club.
The cyclists then head across country, through Black Dog and Morchard Bishop to Morchard Road on the A377 where the two routes converge at a feed station opposite the Devonshire Dumpling pub before everyone makes their way back to Topsham.
The ride is made possible by Bike Shed, who have cycle shops in Exeter, Sowton, Crediton and Barnstaple.
Their team offers support before, during and after the ride, providing signage around the course and giving technical and mechanical support to cyclists on the day.
“We couldn’t do it without Mike Sanders and the Bike Shed crew,” said FORCE Event Fundraiser Chloe Richardson. “They do so much to make the great event that it has become.”
Generous
FORCE is an independent charity that receives no Government or NHS funding. Donations, legacies and fundraising from generous supporters enable it to provide support for thousands of cancer patients and their families at its Support Centre in Exeter and health hubs in Tiverton, Okehampton, Ottery St Mary and Cullompton.
More and more people are being diagnosed with cancer every year and that means a growing demand for support from FORCE.
The charity provides a wide range of free services including specialist information and advice, counselling, complementary therapies, advice on keeping active, support with hair loss, benefits advice, relaxation and mindfulness courses, an art group and programmes to help people move on after treatment or cope with cancers that can’t be cured.
“Could you help us meet the need for the sort of care only FORCE can offer here in Devon?” said Chloe.
Challenge
“We expect to see 150 more people in 2026. It costs us an average of £850 to support each person on their cancer journey.
“To care for 150 more people, we need to raise an extra £127,500.
“And we believe our Nello cyclists are the very people we can rely on to rise to that challenge.
“We want to thank everyone for their support of this unique event and hope you’ll play your part in helping us reach our target.”
There’s still time to sign up and do your bit at https:// forcecancercharity.co.uk/ nello/
