One little girl and her dog have been pedalling along leafy lanes, bumpy tow paths and nature trails on a 100 mile journey in memory of her father Vinny Ryan who died suddenly at the age of 47.  

"Cycle for Vinny’, was seven-year-old Zoe Ryan’s way to keep her father close to her heart and to raise funds for Peace Hospice Care.  

The hospice provided a lifeline of support for Zoe and her mum through their STARS grief support programme for children and their carers.

Pedalling throughout her summer holidays, Zoe was accompanied by her mum, Gill, her dog, Rosie, and friends, family and others who had been attending the STARS programme. 

Keeping one eye on Rosie and the other on her cycle pedometer, Zoe made up the miles in various corners of the UK including cycle trails through the local Ebury Way and the Lea Valley. 

Mum Gill said: "Zoe was a real daddy’s girl. Vinny loved sport and the outdoors so the bike ride has been a way to keep his memory alive. He would have been so proud of her.  

"We have had such a horrible year but the STARS programme helped us both.  Zoe really enjoyed the weekly meetings in the Starlight Centre at the hospice.  She made memory boxes, a family tree and loved all the art activities. She couldn’t wait to go back each week.  

"Zoe was only six when her dad died of a heart attack.  I wanted her to be able to keep her dad’s memory alive and have a safe space to be supported.

"STARS gave us that and we just wanted to give something back to Peace Hospice Care with our fundraising.’"

STARS offers a wide range of support and education to children, young people and those supporting them across south west Hertfordshire.

Tthe STARS team can be contacted on 01923 335383 or by emailing stars@peacehospicecare.org.uk

If you are keen to cycle for the Hospice you can get on your bike for Peace Hospice Care, you an join hundreds of other people in Watford on Sunday during the annual fundraiser Pedal for the Peace. 

To sign up and for further information email events@peacehospicecare.org.uk or visit www.peacehospicecare.org.uk/events