CYCLISTS can help raise funds for a hospice by going on a ride of up to 50 miles around Chelmsford.

The J’s Hospice has launched its fourth annual Pedal for the J’s campaign which will see hundreds of riders complete a route around the city taking in Chignal, Pleshey and Great Waltham, on April 28.

Staff from the hospice based in Church Street, Great Baddow, provide care to patients aged between 16 and 40 years of age from the East of England region with life-limiting illnesses.

The event is open for cyclists of all abilities with three different routes of 15, 35 and 50 miles being set up, all of which start in Admirals Park.

Estate agent Martin & Co, of Duke Street, is sponsoring this year’s ride and is also entering a team into the event.

Steve Frost, from the firm, said: “We’re proud to be sponsoring this event and in turn helping raise money for the J’s Hospice as it delivers a very vital service across Essex.

“We’re entering a team this year and are already in training – for some of us it’ll be a real challenge but we’ll get a sense of achievement knowing we’ll be making a difference.”

Anyone who is interested in participating can register online by visiting www.the jshospice.org.uk or calling fundraising manager Dominique Brunning on 01245 475474.

Registration costs £12 for adults and £7 for under-16s.

The price includes a T-shirt and refreshments during the ride and there is no minimum sponsorship level required for cyclists to raise.