Local cycling group, the Dorset Drafters, collectively cycled the distance to the moon (over 230,000 miles) in one year, in an epic ‘Moonshot’ cycling challenge which also saw them raise £3,600 for the Emergency and Critical Care Appeal.
The group, which was formed in 2023 and has now grown to a membership of 340, decided to focus on this challenge in 2025 and added up their total distance cycled around Dorset, the rest of the UK and abroad in 2025.
Dorset Drafters member, Brian Stalker, worked for Dorset County Hospital for 30 years before retiring and was delighted to raise funds for a cause close to his heart. He said, “Dorset County Hospital is the local hospital to us and provides essential care to the community. It was important to us that we could fundraise for it. The improved facilities and larger capacity of the new Emergency Department and Critical Care Unit will improve patient care when people need it, often under extremely traumatic conditions.”
Dorset Drafters member and organiser, Andy Jones, said, “The Moonshot challenge took place throughout the year and involved cumulative mileage from all our members. At the same time, individual members set their own challenges, contributing to our overall fundraising total. It gave our members a target which got them out cycling. We actually exceeded the distance of 230,000 miles, which was a great achievement by all.”
Head of DCH Charity, Simon Pearson, said “This is an incredible achievement and a fantastic example of how community fundraising can be fun, inclusive and raise significant funds for Dorset County Hospital at the same time. We are very grateful to the Dorset Drafters for their hard work and commitment, and to those who donated. Supporting the Appeal and funding state-of-the-art equipment and facilities in the new Emergency Department and Critical Care Unit at DCH will make a difference to local people and families for generations to come.”
Dorset County Hospital’s new Emergency Department and Critical Care Unit us due to open in 2027. DCH Charity’s £2.5 million Appeal will fund enhanced facilities and state-of-the-art medical equipment for the new development, which is due to be completed in 2027.
To find out more about the Appeal, visit our Appeal page here.
