MORE than 300 people tackled some steep Purbeck hills on the Dorset Coast and Harbour Bike Ride for Lewis-Manning Hospice.

Riders setting off from Poole Park on Sunday were hoping to beat last year’s £2,000 fundraising record and buy beds for the charity’s new hospice on Evening Hill, Poole, opening next week.

Conditions were ideal as they geared up for 17, 33 and 42 mile courses around Worth Matravers, Corfe Castle, Kingston and Swanage. Graham Bartlett, 62, and Carole Payne, from Dewsons in Poole were off on the 17-mile route to Studland and back.

Mr Bartlett ended up in hospital after having a heart attack as they finished last year.

Carole said: “I wanted to come back and support my colleague.

“Last year’s ride was brilliant and Graham has been my inspiration.

“It’s a leisurely day. There’s no pressure, you’re keeping fit and raising money.”

Debbie Long, 46, from Poole, and seven friends made up The Ross Riders team from Blu Hairdressing.

“We got involved because we know Lewis-Manning does a lot of good.”

Nigel Ross, 57, of Blu salons in Canford Cliffs and Parkstone, said: “My wife’s late husband was looked after by Lewis-Manning so it’s a cause close to home for us.

“We look at it as just a cycle ride, we’ll enjoy it, have a laugh and a chat.”

Hospice services will move over to the re-developed site in Crichel Mount Road on Monday, a week before the official opening.

Fundraising manager Maria Tidy says although the £700,000 shortfall is narrowing the 22-bed hospice is unfurnished.

“In the old hospice we needed £50,000 a month to keep it open, but with a much larger property and bedrooms that’s set to rise,” she added.