CYCLISTS are gearing up for an annual charity ride which fundraises for a hospice in Broomfield.

Farleigh Hospice’s Cycle For Life sets off on September 8 with routes spanning 70km, 50km and 20km around the countryside.

Entry for the ride is still open for this year’s event with many riders having already signed up.

These include brother and sister team Ali, 12, and Patrick Frost, nine, from Springfield, who have taken part in previous rides for the hospice.

Their grandfather, Ken, was cared for at the hospice after being diagnosed with cancer in 2001. He died a year later.

Ali said: “We do the ride every year to give something back to the hospice for looking after our grandad in his last days.

"He sadly passed away 11 years ago, but we cannot thank Farleigh Hospice enough for the part it played during this difficult time.

“Unfortunately, Patrick never got the chance to meet grandad, but the whole family talk about him and Patrick knows him well from this and photographs.

“When we started taking part in the Cycle for Life a few years ago, the distance seemed really long. But it is such fun and a good atmosphere with a few chances to stop for cake.”

Last year’s ride saw 658 people cycle around the routes, raising £50,000 in the process.

Registration closes on August 28 and costs £10 per adult and £5 for under-16s.

To enter, call 01245 457408, visit www.farleighhospice.org/cycleforlife or e-mail events@farleighhospice.org.