Excitement is growing for Ride for Helen '17

As the date for Ride for Helen approaches, Helen Rollason Cancer Charity has been blown away by the support from local businesses, people and even celebrities! The fundraising event, which is taking place on 7 May, has been receiving a record number of entrants so far from both new and returning participants.

Over 1,000 cyclists from across the country will be meeting at the Crix in Hatfield Peverel, Essex to take part in this fantastic, family-friendly event, which offers a choice of four picturesque routes; six miles, 15 miles, 35 miles, or for the bravest of cyclists, 65 miles. All ages and abilities are welcome to join in as individuals or as a team, and families can enjoy two FREE child places for every paying adult on the six mile route.




HRCC patron, Sally Gunnell and TV programme Gogglebox's George Gilbey, have both been showing their support for the event by wearing Ride for Helen t-shirts, and George is hoping to be able to take on the 35 mile route on the day! Another high profile name that will be attending the ride is BBC Radio Essex presenter, Sadie Nine.

Lots of businesses have entered as teams, including Hatfield Peverel-based Environtec, and Andrew Watson, a Sales Executive from Stansted Audi, plans on upping the stakes this year by attempting the 15 mile route on his penny-farthing. Andrew, who has participated in every Ride for Helen event so far, says: "I first heard about Ride for Helen back in 2014 when my colleague, Darren Thompson, from Chelmsford Audi, announced he would be putting together a team for the event. We all know somebody that's been affected by cancer, so I was happy to be able to show my support for the Helen Rollason Cancer Charity. This year, I've decided to try something completely new and attempt the 15 mile route on my recently purchased penny farthing." And to those thinking of signing up to this year's event, Andrew adds: "I'd 100% recommend anyone considering taking part in Ride for Helen to do it - it's such great fun! Now that the ride has a six-mile route, it's ideal for families with children to get involved. The atmosphere on the day is wonderful, from start to finish, and it's a brilliant way of getting out in the beautiful Essex countryside. Plus the best part is that you can raise money for such a wonderful cause."

For more information or to register, please visit www.rideforhelen.co.uk or call 01245 380719. You can also find out more about the great work that Helen Rollason Cancer Charity does at www.helenrollason.org.uk.

R4H Fact File

The first ever R4H took place in 2014.

Since the first year, a total of 2,452 cyclists have taken part

To date, R4H has raised around £109,000 for the Helen Rollason Cancer Charity.

Essex Audi has been a proud sponsor of the event since year one.

If every participant that cycled the 65 mile route last year did it in tandem, they would be able to travel from Chelmsford to Perth in Australia three times, or the equivalent of cycling the entire equator.