TWO Dorset friends have raised £600 for the Bring Joy Foundation charity after completing a 50-mile round-trip bike ride last month.

Robert Atkins and Andrew Forrest began their fundraiser in Wimborne and cycled a 50-mile round trip around East Dorset, through to Salisbury and back again.

Andrew said: "Myself and Robert were very proud to raise £600 for the Bring Joy Foundation. Their work is so important, especially throughout this year when they’ve provided vital funding to keep seniors across the country occupied and entertained, reducing the risk of loneliness among the elderly during an uncertain and sometimes isolating period."

Andrew’s partner, Jayne Perks is the Community Engagement Lead at Home Instead East Dorset and Blandford, and has witnessed the good that Bring Joy funding does for older people, especially throughout the pandemic.

Both Robert and Andrew are keen cyclists and thought it was only fitting to do a sponsored bike ride, and since Covid-19 restrictions allow two people to meet outside, their fundraising efforts could go ahead.

Andrew added: "My mother works as a carer, and Jayne works at Home Instead, so I thoroughly understand the importance of supporting the elderly, and wanted to support the great work that Bring Joy do. I look forward to seeing the initiatives they support in the new year."

The foundation is dedicated to supporting and enhancing the lives of seniors across the UK.

As the charitable arm of local home care company Home Instead Senior Care, it provides funding for local community groups and organisations that provide activities and events for older people.

The mission is to help seniors keep fit and active, as well as connected to people in the community, in a bid to combat loneliness and isolation.