A HUGE annual charity bike ride is set to make a triumphant return.

St Helena Hospice will hold its fourth annual fundraising cycle ride on Sunday, October 2, with a range of different routes on offer for keen participants.

As well as five, 24 and 56-mile options, organisers have now introduced their biggest challenge yet due to popular demand.

Cyclists can tackle a new 100-mile route – taking them as far as the Colne Valley.

Each option will start and finish at Monks Farm, in Coles Oak Lane, Dedham, with a range of activities on offer for suppor tive family members.

Each ride will have different start times, with registration for the 100-mile route opening at 8am for a 8.30am start.

Registration for the 56-mile option opens at 8.30am for a 9am start, 24 miles is 9am for a 9.30am start and the five-mile route opens at 9.30am for a 10am start.

Organisers with St Helena Hospice’s fundraising team hope to hit a target of £40,000 to continue their vital work.

A spokeswoman said: “These sort of events are very impor tant for us because St Helena Hospice costs £8.7 million per year to run.

“Two thirds of this amount needs to be brought in via donations .

“This cycle ride is one of our key annual events now – we are hoping for around 300 cyclists to take part and we want to continue to grow this.

“There is something for everyone.

"It is all based around Constable Country which is stunning.

“The money will help us continue our work – we exist to help local people with terminal illnesses to die with dignity and choice.

“We deal with family and with children before and after bereavement, so it is really vital to raise funds to keep this going.

“Cycle Ride is perfect for both serious cyclists and those who like a weekend wheelie.”

Organisers are hoping for volunteers to help with marshalling, seeking 40 people to man specific parts of the route to guide riders in the right direction and keep them safe.

  • To volunteer as a marshal or to help with registration or at the finish line, please contact events@sthelenahospice.org.uk.
  • To register as a rider, visit sthelenahospice.org.uk/event/cycle-ride-2016