Piggy March's 1100km Charity Ride: Turning Grief into Action
In an inspiring endeavor, renowned eventer Piggy March is set to embark on a grueling 1100km charity cycle ride. The Cycle4Caroline challenge aims to raise a remarkable £500,000 for Spinal Research and the British Eventing (BE) Support Trust. This ride is both a tribute to her late sister-in-law, Caroline March, and a testament to the human spirit’s ability to transform grief into meaningful action.
The Journey Begins
The Cycle4Caroline ride will kick off on November 20 at Blair Castle in Perthshire, concluding on November 30 at The Savoy Hotel in London. This timing coincides perfectly with the BE Support Trust Charity Ball. Piggy will be joined by her husband Tom and a core team of six other riders, including prominent figures such as three-time Olympian Ian Stark OBE, event riders Holly Woodhead and Tommy How, and other notable personalities from the equestrian world.
Personal Motivation and Grief
Piggy March’s decision to undertake this challenging ride stems from a profoundly personal place. After Caroline’s tragic passing in March 2024, Piggy found herself grappling with grief and a lack of direction, a stark contrast to the focus and drive her eventing career usually provided. “I was mentally lost at the beginning of the year. I didn’t have any horses to aim for the Olympics, and I was lost and grieving. I needed a challenge,” she explained.
From Horses to Bicycles
Despite her limited cycling experience—humorously recalling an incident where she fell off a bike and broke her nose as a child—Piggy has embraced an intensive training regimen. Transitioning from the saddle to a bicycle has posed significant physical challenges, with Piggy often needing to dismount and rest due to the unfamiliar demands of cycling. However, her determination remains undeterred.
A Commitment to Giving Back
Piggy’s motivation extends beyond personal redemption; it is deeply entwined with her commitment to the equestrian community and supporting those affected by spinal injuries. “It’s important to put something back into the sport, to help other families in the future and give people the best possible quality of life after a serious accident,” she emphasized. This altruistic drive underscores the profound impact that athletes can have in raising awareness and funds for critical causes.
The Cause Behind Cycle4Caroline
The funds raised through Cycle4Caroline will be split between two significant beneficiaries: Spinal Research and the BE Support Trust. Spinal Research is the UK’s leading charity committed to funding medical research aimed at developing life-changing treatments for spinal cord injuries—a cause close to Caroline’s heart. The BE Support Trust, established in 2021, focuses on supporting the physical and mental health of eventing competitors, providing crucial assistance to those affected by injuries.
Community and Support
The ride will feature several prestigious eventing venues along its route, including Bramham, Chatsworth, Burghley, Blenheim Palace, and Badminton. Various stars from the equestrian and sporting world will join for segments of the journey, underscoring the strong community support for this noble initiative. This collective effort highlights the resilience and solidarity within the equestrian community.
Turning Tragedy into Hope
Piggy March’s journey stands as a powerful example of how personal tragedy can be channeled into a force for good. Her determination, alongside that of her fellow riders, highlights the resilience and altruism defining the equestrian community. As Ian Stark OBE, Chair of the BE Support Trust, noted, “It’s typical of the March family that out of such tragedy comes the burning desire to help other people.”
Conclusion
Cycle4Caroline transcends being merely a charity ride; it is emblematic of the human spirit’s ability to convert grief into impactful action. Piggy March’s story serves as a beacon of inspiration, demonstrating the significant contributions athletes can make in raising awareness and funds for crucial health research. As the cycling team prepares to embark on this challenging journey, they do so with the hope of making a substantial difference in the lives of those affected by spinal injuries, ensuring that Caroline’s legacy continues to inspire and support others.
For more information on Cycle4Caroline and to support the cause, visit the Horse & Hound website.
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‘I was lost and grieving, I needed a challenge’ – Piggy March on 1100km charity cycle ride
