Nello cyclists provide vital funding boost
The annual Nello cycle ride has raised more than £82,000 in support of local people dealing with a cancer diagnosis and it’s hoped that figure will rise.
FORCE Cancer Charity’s flagship fundraising event attracted 1,265 riders this year.
Starting and finishing at Topsham Rugby Club, they tackled 100-mile or 60-mile routes around the Devon countryside – the longer course also took in part of Somerset.
Since the first Nello Century Cycle Challenge in 2000, the ride has raised over £1.5million for Exeter-based FORCE, which works locally to support anyone affected by cancer, face-to-face and close to home.
The Nello is one of the most popular rides in the region. It’s not a race. It’s not chip timed. It’s about cyclists coming together to enjoy a challenging ride
Memory
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, (pictured together on Sunday) decided to organise a ride to raise money in his memory.
Marc cycled the 60-mile route this year and said afterwards: “What another amazing year – the 27th Nello. I was so thrilled to see this incredible atmosphere and so many people turning up to take on the challenge, many riding for their own personal reasons, their own sad reasons, others just out to enjoy a fabulous day and support FORCE.
Praise
“I can’t thank the organisers enough for keeping this incredible event going, keeping above all the spirit of friendship and camaraderie that is such an important part of The Nello.”
Liz Rendell (pictured) completed her ninth Nello. She was full of praise for everyone involved.
“It’s a brilliant event, so well organised, plenty of food stops, what’s not to like. It’s something everyone should do. Get on that bike and have a go!” she said.
Emma Gray’s husband Simon, died in July 2016 of oesophageal cancer. The former Royal Marine was a keen cyclist and had chosen The Nello as the first ride he and Emma would do together but he was too poorly for them to ever ride it.
FORCE was among the local and national charities that supported the family and Emma has ridden in all but one Nello since Simon died.
“It’s fun, it’s lovely and this year’s not only special because it’s 10 years but my elder daughter has done 60 miles for the first time ever. It was a very emotional day today,” she said.
Amazing
“It’s an amazing event. The thing that’s so lovely is the (refreshment) stops are really amazing, the people who run the estops are really amazing, everyone is so friendly, not just the people who organise it but the people who ride as well. Everyone looks out for each other which is really lovely. It’s fun and I virtually never get on my bike except for the Nello every year!”
FORCE is an independent, local charity that receives no NHS or Government funding.
It supports thousands of local people dealing with a cancer diagnosis – patients and their families – every year and is only able to do so due to the generosity of the communities it serves.
FORCE is able to offer free support in Exeter, Tiverton, Ottery St Mary, Okehampton and Cullompton thanks to donations, gifts in wills and fundraising by individuals, groups, clubs, societies and businesses with events like The Nello crucial against an increasingly difficult financial backdrop.
Perfect
Chloe Richardson, FORCE Events Organiser, said: “We are grateful to everyone who supported this year’s Nello. 
“The weather was perfect and the atmosphere was electric. It was incredible to meet so many individuals taking part in our special event and we would like to thank each and every person who took part, supported friends and family and volunteered their time to help across the weekend.
“A giant shoutout to our sponsors, Bike Shed. We couldn’t run this amazing event without their support.
“And a huge thank you to everyone who fundraised for FORCE or who made a donation. It is because of your kindness and generosity that we are able to offer our services free of charge to local people affected by cancer.”
DATE FOR YOUR DIARY: Nello 2027 will be on Sunday June 27.
