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Cycling tackles mental health; take on the Three Chesters Cycle Challenge!

“Some days it’s not about speed or miles, it’s just therapy.”

Cycle enthusiasts and those looking for a new two-wheel experience are being invited to join the Three Chesters Cycle Challenge this Summer in aid of Helen Rollason Cancer Charity!

Pedalling your way from Colchester to Manchester, via Chesterfield, over four days, you will complete a total distance of 260 miles with a total ascent of 2,575 metres. The tour takes in the most incredible countryside views and manages to avoid all main roads, except for crossing over a few, before entering towns and city centres.

Founder and tour guide, Steve Sutton, devised the route and has completed it numerous times over the past year or so, each time tweaking and improving the itinerary by finding the best cafes, pubs and accommodation stops on the way, including an afternoon of free time to explore the beautiful town of Chesterfield.

Steve re-engaged with his love of cycling during Covid 19 lockdown. When an opportunity arose for him to travel to Manchester, he considered the possibility of cycling there without having to ride on any major roads. After many hours spent scrutinising the Ordnance Survey map, he devised a suitable plan, including a stopover in Chesterfield and a gruelling fourth day riding through the Peak District, taking in magnificent views and pedalling several thousand metres over the Peaks. Since then, he has spent countless days in the saddle encouraging others to take up the sport or to build their confidence on the roads.

“I enjoy cycling so much I just want everyone to try it,’ says Steve. ‘It’s an excellent form of exercise but also good for your mental health. Some days it’s not about speed or miles, it’s just therapy.”

In an exciting development, the Three Chesters Cycle Challenge recently joined forces with Helen Rollason Cancer Charity to raise funds and awareness for their cancer support and are willing to cover the riders’ tour fees in return for raising a minimum of £1,000 sponsorship.

Steve says; “I’m delighted we can support the Helen Rollason Cancer Charity, as they already encourage many people to take part in charity cycle rides as part of their fundraising campaigns.”

Two dates have been set aside this year for the Three Chester Cycle Challenge; Monday 8th August and Monday 3rd October, with groups of no more than 10 riders per tour, so early booking is advised. Steve is hoping this year’s rides will be well supported not only to support the charity but to enable him to run them again next year.

Whether you’re an avid cyclist keen on embarking on your next adventure, looking for a fantastic fundraising opportunity, or simply someone who enjoys a challenge and admiring scenic views, then the Three Chesters Cycle Challenge could be perfect for you.

For more information please visit www.threechesterscyclechallenge.co.uk

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Make a difference

We are calling on everyone in our community to play a vital role in helping us to fundraise which will allow us to continue enabling quality of life while living with cancer. 

Tom Carr

I worked as a urologist with a special interest in cancer until my retirement in 2016. The patient journey with a new cancer is now often long and complex. Many need help to live their best life after treatment. Simple survival and the absence of cancer is not enough, feeling well and whole again is the goal. Social and psychological support makes all the difference. I am happy to help Helen’s charity to deliver that.

Kully Byatt

I have retired following a career at a senior management level in a range of sectors specialising in Human Resources, Project Management, Coaching and Mentoring skills. In addition since 2000 I have undertaken a number of voluntary Trustee roles for a range of organisations.

Through my desire to give back to a Charity that my mother personally benefitted from by utilising Complementary Therapies, I have for a couple of years volunteered for Helen Rollason Cancer Charity in the Retail Team and more recently this has inspired me to take up the role of Trustee so that I can contribute to the governance of HRCC in continuing to deliver vital services that benefit the community.

Jacqui Goulbourn

I’m a qualified accountant with over 20 years experience working in the NHS in Essex and beyond.  I know how vital charities in the healthcare arena are, to fill in where government funding doesn’t reach.  As a volunteer Trustee, I am pleased to be able to offer my skills and experience to help HRCC deal with these challenges, allowing staff to have a greater focus on providing services to the clients.

Friederike Englund

I am a cancer nurse by background and have supported those affected by cancer for over thirty years. I have worked very closely with the team at Helen Rollason and have seen the tremendous benefit and improvement in wellbeing that patients and carers experience through the support they receive. I am very keen to ensure that Helen Rollason widens its reach across all communities in Essex and offers support services that are effective and based on the most up-to-date scientific evidence.

Dave Johnson

I have always wanted to give something back following a corporate career in business development for technical services within the automotive industry.

I joined HRCC as a trustee to offer support and guidance to the very capable management team. It is nice to share my experiences and It is rewarding to see the team grow and deliver such important services.

Ben Schneider

I have been involved with HRCC for 15 years, initially through providing corporate sponsorship for fundraising events and then as a member of the Board, acting as Chair between 2020 and 2024.

With over 25 years’ experience as a Company Director in the Tech sector, I aim to bring my expertise in strategy, governance and digital transformation to support the charity in striving towards Helen’s vision of making good quality of life while coping with cancer available to everyone.

Andy Higgs

I have worked in the IT industry for over 14 years and before that, was a long-term retail manager so I have a broad range of experience to contribute to my trustee role, across the operations and retail areas. I am a husband and father of two and having lived in Chelmsford for many years, I really appreciate the opportunity to work with an excellent local charity.

My family has a deep connection with the charity as my wife, Kerry works in the Hatfield Peverel Centre and one of the family, who previously used the services, now volunteers. We’ve also been known to jump on bikes and get involved as we’ve all taken part in the Ride For Helen event over the years.

I am one of the newer trustees but I’m looking forward to contributing to the Charity’s purpose and goals.