Fylde boss's bike ride raises £8,000 for The Boathouse Youth

A 40-mile bike ride completed by a Fylde-based financial advisor and more than 30 colleagues and friends has raised £8,000 for The Boathouse Youth.

The ride was organised by Anthony Hoskisson, managing director of financial planning practice Questa in Blackpool.

The four-hour journey ran from Manchester Media City to The Windmill in Lytham, inspiring more than 200 people to donate. 

Anthony Hoskisson, who is also Fylde Rugby Club's president, has previously undergone two knee replacements due to wear and tear from sports.

He said: "This was a real test for many of the riders - especially those who rarely ride. But the amount we raised makes it all worthwhile. We are all extremely grateful to everyone who dug deep to support our challenge.

“Three years ago, I could barely walk. And it’s only been eight months since my most recent procedure. I wanted to do something to show how grateful I was. That’s where the idea for a cycling challenge came about. When I talked about the challenge, colleagues and friends asked if they could get involved, too. So, the whole event took on a life of its own.”

The Boathouse Youth is a charity dedicated to improving the lives of children from socio-economically deprived communities across Blackpool. They provided them with crucial educational resources, mentoring, and support, empowering them to tackle the challenges they faced and build a brighter future.

Laurance Hancock, The Boathouse Charity's chief executive, said: "Thank you to Anthony and all his friends for their amazing efforts! Your hard work makes a real difference for our young people, and we truly appreciate it. Every pedal and mile you covered brings hope and support to those who need it most."

The Questa Charity Bike Ride culminated in a post-ride celebration at Lytham Cricket Club, where participants, supporters, and community members came together to celebrate their achievement and their collective efforts in giving back to society.