A local charity is calling for people to get on their bike and cycle round Suffolk to raise vital funds to help their work.
St Elizabeth Hospice is holding its first RideFest sportive event on Sunday 23 September and keen cyclists are being asked to sign up and cycle either 25 or 50 miles on Suffolk’s roads.
The charity, which cares for those living with a progressive and terminal illnesses, has introduced the event to help those who want to achieve personal fitness challenges while also raising funds to support local people.
Joanne Rodger, challenges and event manager at St Elizabeth Hospice, said: “We find that a lot of people want to raise money for us but want to earn their sponsorship by doing something that really challenges them. That’s why we’ve introduced the RideFest sportive to this year’s events calendar.
“The RideFest sportive is a great way for those just getting in to cycling to test themselves on a slightly longer challenge. It’s also perfect for those warming up for larger challenges such as our Venice to Rome event next year.
“You don’t need to be super fit but you do need to be able to complete the challenge so some degree of fitness and experience of cycling on the road is essential if you’d like to take part.
“All the money raised through entry fees and sponsorship will go directly towards patient care and ensure that those we look after continue to receive our services free of charge.”
The event will begin and end at Copleston High School and entry is £18 for the first 100 people to sign up.