Ride for Life is back! Cycle the East Anglian countryside for children’s hospices

East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) is encouraging cyclists to get back in the saddle for an epic 200-plus mile ride across the region.

The charity’s Ride for Life returns on Friday, 20 July. Cyclists will start and finish at the home of headline sponsor Johnston Logistics UK, in Snetterton, visiting EACH’s three hospices – The Treehouse in Ipswich, Milton just north of Cambridge and Quidenham in the Norfolk countryside – in between. The journey takes three days.

Greg Tucker, from Harston, was among cyclists who took part in last year’s challenge. He said: “It was a great three days of effort, excitement and enjoyment. We had a great time together doing some good for other people. It was certainly a highlight of my year!”

Tim Grimes, from Hethersett, also took part. “A very enjoyable weekend was had by all,” he said. “It was a very well organised event – the best I’ve been to so far.”

The three-day challenge costs £150 and each participant must raise a minimum £400 sponsorship. That package includes dinners, beds and breakfasts at city locations and luggage transfers.

Cyclists unavailable for the entire event can choose to do just one leg of the route, covering around 65 to 70 miles. The cost is £50 and minimum sponsorship of £150 is required.

Everyone taking part will have access to first aid assistance if needed, a back-up vehicle, kit list and training information, mechanical help, fundraising support and more.

The route has been designed to weave through scenic countryside, visiting some of the most beautiful villages and towns in Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire.

Emma Benstead, EACH Events Fundraiser, said: “We’re delighted to be bringing back our Ride for Life. As Greg and Tim said, it’s a really fantastic way to meet people, explore the East Anglian countryside and enjoy yourself, all whilst raising money for a vital good cause.

“There’s no competitive aspect to this and people can enter individually or as groups. Spaces are limited, though, and we have some fantastic early bird offers, so please get in touch now to find out more and secure your place.”

The early bird prices are as follows:

One-day registration - £37.50 plus minimum sponsorship of £150

Three-day registration - £125 plus minimum sponsorship of £400

Three-day registration for groups of four or more people - £100 per person plus minimum sponsorship of £400 per person

EACH cares for children and young people with life-threatening conditions across East Anglia and supports their families. For both those accessing care and those who have been bereaved, EACH is a lifeline at an unimaginably difficult time. It costs the charity almost £6 million a year to deliver its service and all funds raised through Ride for Life will help.

To book your place and for more information visit www.each.org.uk/rideforlife or contact Emma on 01953 666770.