On Sunday 1st May, Admirals Park in Chelmsford was a sea of bicycles, cycling helmets and lycra, as Team Beaulieu got on their bikes to take part in the annual Pedal for The J’s bike ride.

It was the seventh year of this popular event, organised by The J’s Hospice charity and, for the second year, sponsored by Beaulieu – I was part of a team of 20 cyclists from across the business donning their lycra for a worthy cause.

We were delighted that the rain stayed away and the sunshine encouraged over 350 cyclists to join the event on the day, taking the total number of participants to 994. Cyclists had a choice of 15, 35 or 50 mile circular routes through the sunny Essex countryside. The shortest route took them through Great Waltham, Pleshey and Chignall St James; the 35 mile route I did went out to High Easter, White Roding and Roxwell, while the most enthusiastic cyclists rode to Hatfield Heath, Matching and Hobbs Cross.

The event was a very well organised and a huge success. It was great to see the local community coming together and cheering all the cyclists on. We were delighted that Beaulieu was sponsoring the event again this year, and very proud of our team of cyclists for both their outstanding pedalling and fundraising efforts.

An event like the Pedal for the J’s is a great way to motivate and encourage people to get active and support their community and the fantastic work of The J’s Hospice. It was also good for some team building too!

The J’s Hospice supports young adults with life-limiting conditions and their families across Essex. The charity relies on fundraising events like Pedal for The J’s and support from the public for 70% of its income. The money raised on Sunday will help the charity to provide enhanced care including tailored specialist nursing, respite and advice as well as end of life care and bereavement support in the comfort and security of the patients’ own homes.

The J’s Hospice Patron, Dan Bentley – who won a Boccia Team Paralympic gold medal at Beijing 2008 and bronze at London 2012 – was there to help hand out the medals to all the cyclists.

Very well done to everyone who took part on the day and helped raise over £35,000.

For more information on the new homes at Beaulieu – the vibrant new district for Chelmsford visit www.beaulieu.uk.com/