It’s time to dust off your cycling helmet, pump up your tyres and get on your bike as Chelmsford’s popular annual cycle ride, Pedal for The J’s, returns to the city on Sunday 1st May.
Pedal for The J’s is now in its 7th year and the organisers at The J’s Hospice charity hope that over 1,000 cyclists will take part. It promises to be a great day out for experienced cyclists and novices alike. The ride takes in some of Essex’s most beautiful scenery with a choice of three distances - 15, 35 or 50 miles.All routes will start and finish at Admirals Park in Chelmsford, with the 15 mile route taking in Mashbury, Pleshey and Great Waltham, and the longer routes travelling west towards Hatfield Heath, returning through the Easters then all three rides join up at Pleshey.
The J’s Hospice provides hospice care in the home for young adults, aged 16 to 40, with life-limiting conditions throughout Essex. At 16 years old, they have outgrown children’s services and need age appropriate care and support.The J’s Hospice team provides medical, nursing and respite care for patients, carers and their families as well as emotional and bereavement support.
Staff at The J’s Hospice are delighted that Beaulieu - the exciting new development underway on the outskirts of the city by Countryside and L&Q - has agreed to be the headline sponsor for Pedal for The J’s alongside radio partner, Heart, and media partner, the Essex Chronicle. Jessica Dellow, Event Manager at The J’s Hospice explained: “Being a charity, we rely on the public and businesses for 70% of our income so it is great that Heart and the Essex Chronicle are supporting this event. We are particularly grateful to Beaulieu as it is the second time they have sponsored Pedal and they also sponsored last year’s Chelmsford Marathon, so they have helped us to transform the lives of many young people.”
The Essex Chronicle plans to enter a team of cyclists and the Heart radio presenters, Su Harrison, Martin Day and Matt Mackay, will reveal on air which one of them will be taking part over what distance.
Beaulieu team training will be beginning soon, and they are looking forward to the challenge. Graham Cherry, Chief Executive, New Homes and Communities at Countryside, commented:
“Pedal for The J’s is a great community event that not only encourages everyone to get fit and healthy, but most importantly helps to raise vital funds to support The J’s Hospice. The work they do to help young adults in need of hospice care is invaluable, and we are proud to be continuing our support again this year, after sponsoring last year’s Pedal event and the Chelmsford marathon. Our team of keen cyclists will no doubt be training hard and getting quite competitive!”
Jerome Geoghegan, Group Director, Development and Sales, at L&Q says: “We hope that Pedal for the J’s will once again encourage people to get active and raise money for a great local cause, especially at this time of year, when most of us strive to get fitter and healthier.Over the coming years we look forward to helping people continue to lead healthier and more active lifestyles through the provision of parks with trim trails, public open spaces and fantastic sports facilities at Beaulieu.”
With the first residents already moved in, Beaulieu is making a huge impact on Chelmsford, bringing new homes and community facilities, including schools, shops, health and enhanced transport connections to the area. Residents at Beaulieu will have a range of amenities on their doorstep reducing the need for car travel and a network of cycleways and footpaths to encourage healthy lifestyles – perfect for the type of active cyclist that takes part in Pedal for The J’s!
The J’s Hospice is also encouraging people to keep their New Year’s resolution to become healthier in 2016 by offering an ‘Early Bird’ special rate to everyone who registers by 5pm on 29th February. Jessica added: “Cycling is a good way to help you get fit and, if you sign up now, you can take advantage of our lower registration fee of only £14 for an adult and £6 for a child. Plus, if you get yourself sponsored, your healthy transformation will help The J’s Hospice to transform even more young lives.”
Last year, over 800 cyclists took part in Pedal for The J’s, raising £45,000 before costs. To find out more or to book your place in this year’s event, visit The J's Hospice website.
