Why are bicycles appearing in charity shop windows across East Anglia?

Customers of East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) shops across the region will notice bicycles adorning windows the next time they visit.

The unusual yet intriguing displays are helping to promote EACH’s popular Ride for Life event, which has been revamped this year to offer a bigger challenge.

Ian Nicolson, EACH Head of Retail & Trading, said: “We know how important an event Ride for Life is and we’re really pleased to be helping our fundraising colleagues shout about it.

“Our shop managers are having some fun and certainly tapping into their creative sides in order to include a bike in their window display!

“Why not pop along to see what’s happening and at the same time browse for a bargain?”

Bikes can be seen in windows of the following EACH shops: Aylsham Road in Norwich, Unthank Road in Norwich, Downham Market, Long Stratton, Swaffham, Bury St Edmunds, Felixstowe, Halesworth, Ipswich, Lowestoft, Sudbury, Cherry Hinton, Whittlesey and Halstead.

Ride for Life will see the most adventurous participants cycling 200 miles over three days and across three counties, taking in EACH’s hospices at Quidenham in Norfolk, The Treehouse in Ipswich and Milton in Cambridgeshire.

The event starts on Friday, 29th September and finishes on Sunday, 1st October at the home of the headline sponsor, Johnston Logistics UK, in Snetterton, Norfolk.

Cyclists can choose to enter for one day, which costs £50, with a minimum sponsorship of £150 per person, and involves riding around 65 miles.

Alternatively, those feeling up to the challenge can enter for the full three days, cycling over 200 miles, with dinner, bed and breakfast included in the registration fee of £200. Entrants for the three days will be asked to raise £300 sponsorship minimum.

The route has been designed to weave through scenic countryside, visiting some of the region’s lovely villages and towns for refreshment breaks. Cyclists will also be spurred on by a cheering squad at each of the charity’s three hospices.

Tal Williams, EACH Fundraiser, said: “There’s no competitive aspect and both individuals and teams are welcome. The great thing about cycling together for three days is that the group will work together to support one another, so by the end of it some firm friends will have been made!

“Spaces are limited so if you’re interested please get in touch to find out more. All you really need is a sense of adventure and a desire to help support our children’s palliative care service for local families.”

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, the charity is a lifeline at an unimaginably difficult time.

It costs the good cause almost £6 million a year to deliver its service and all funds raised through Ride for Life will help.

To book your place visit www.each.org.uk/rideforlife or contact Tal on 01953 666767.