Chelmsford’s popular annual cycle ride, Pedal for The J’s, is returning to the city on Sunday 3rd May.

Now in its eleventh year, Pedal for The J’s brings hundreds of cyclists from across Essex to Chelmsford for a fun day of cycling. They have a choice of three circular routes of 15, 35 and 50 miles through the beautiful local countryside, all starting and finishing at Admirals Park.

The ride is an important fundraising event for The J’s which supports young adults with complex or incurable conditions and their families across Essex, in the comfort of their own homes and in the community. The J’s is part of Havens Hospices, which also includes Fair Havens and Little Havens.

Pedal for The J’s appeals to people looking for a relaxing, scenic ride as well as experienced teams from cycling clubs. Last year, around 900 keen cyclists signed up across the three distances and raised just over £31,500 which helped to pay for a range of services including tailored nursing and emotional care, advice and social activities. Organisers at Havens Hospices are hoping to see 1,000 bicycles at the start line on 3rd May.

Pedal for The J’s is sponsored by Beaulieu - the new district in Chelmsford by Countryside and L&Q – which has kindly agreed to be the headline sponsor for the sixth time.

Lucy Burgess, Events Fundraiser for Havens Hospices, said, “We are delighted that Pedal for The J’s has become such a popular event in the local cycling calendar over the last decade with many people returning to take part each year.

“The J’s must raise over £20,000 each week to be there for every young adult who relies on our care. So please strap on your cycling helmet and get on your bike to join us at Admirals Park in May to help us make this year’s ride even more successful. You can sign up now at www.havenshospices.org.uk/pedal.

“We couldn’t run this event without our kind friends at Beaulieu who are back to sponsor Pedal for The J’s for the sixth time so thank you to them for their brilliant support.”

As well as sponsoring Pedal for The J’s, Beaulieu always enters an impressive team of cyclists each year.

Andrew Carrington, Managing Director, Housebuilding (Strategic Land), Countryside, said, “We are delighted to sponsor Pedal for The J’s for the sixth year running, in support of the vital care that The J’s Hospice provides to families across Essex. Once again, last year’s event was a great success with participants expressing how much they had enjoyed taking part, and how well the event was organised by The J’s team. As with previous years, we are looking forward to entering a team of cyclists made up of staff and residents from Beaulieu to help raise much needed funds to ensure The J’s Hospice can continue to be there to support young adults with life-limiting conditions and their families.”

Craig Luttman, Deputy Group Director of Development and Sales at L&Q added, “We’re a proud supporter of Pedal for The J’s, and the important work that The J’s Hospice does with young adults in Essex. We’d encourage any keen cyclists out there to get involved and to help make a difference.”

To find out more about Pedal for The J’s and to book your place on the 15, 35 and 50 mile routes, visit www.havenshospices.org.uk/pedal.

The J’s is part of Havens Hospices, which provides palliative nursing and supportive care to adults, young people and children living with complex or incurable conditions across Essex. To find out more, visit www.havenshospices.org.uk