Celebrating Over a Decade of Ride for Helen
Our Ride For Helen cycle event is now over 12 years old and has raised an incredible amount of money to help support adults living with cancer by providing complementary therapies, support groups, and a welcoming environment.
A Sunny Success in May 2025
Our 2025 event took place on 11th May on a beautiful sunny day. Almost 700 riders cycled one of six scenic routes through the stunning Essex and Hertfordshire countryside, raising over £21,000.
We were thrilled to welcome back hundreds of cyclists who had taken part in previous years – a testament to their dedication and enjoyment of the event.
As well as paying their entrance fee, some of the riders raised further funds by creating JustGiving pages to encourage sponsorship from friends and family. These generous riders raised over £7,500 collectively from their sponsorship.
We are so grateful to all our riders for the contributions they have made.
An Incredible Venue – The Crix
We would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to Ian and Alison Twinley for donating the grounds of their home for use as the hub for the event. The Crix is an incredible venue from which to start and end our routes.
Its location, so close to our Mid Essex support centre in Hatfield Peverel, made it an ideal choice. The atmosphere on the day was buzzing, with Chelmsford Community Radio providing music and entertainment, and The Rock Choir delighting everyone with their uplifting performance.
Essential Support Along the Routes
Establishments along the routes played a vital role by hosting our water stops and keeping our riders refreshed. Our thanks go to:
- The Swan Inn, Felsted
- The Cricketers Arms, Rickling Green
- The Vine, Great Bardfield
- The Western Arms, Silver End
- St Mary’s Church Hall, Bocking
Roadside Support from Rover Rescue
We were also supported by the Essex Land Rover Club’s 4×4 Response Team ‘Rover Rescue’, who were based both at The Crix and out on the routes. They were ready to help with any bike issues or recoveries, helping ensure the day ran smoothly for all.
Generous Donations from Local Businesses
Thanks to the generosity of the following businesses, we were able to offer free snacks and drinks to our riders, meaning more of the event’s proceeds go directly towards helping our clients:
- Fairfield Crisps
- Wenzel’s Chelmsford
- Braxted Bakery
- Tiptree Patisserie
- Cook Chelmsford
- Tesco Maldon
- Co-op Boreham & Hatfield Peverel
- ASDA Chelmsford
- Morrisons Witham
- Greggs
- Upson’s Farm
- Rosan Reeves Auctions
- Our lovely volunteer Gilly
Special Prize Draw for Fundraisers
We were lucky to be presented with a micro-scooter to give away in a prize draw. All riders who raised over £100 in sponsorship were entered into the draw, which was won by one lucky participant at the end of the day.
Thank You to Our Volunteers
Volunteers are the backbone of this event – over 50 incredible people gave their time to ensure everything ran smoothly. From putting up signs and marshalling, to handing out refreshments and managing the car park, your efforts were invaluable. Thank you!
Kind Words from Our Riders
“Ride for Helen is a wonderful occasion for the whole family. Exceptional organisation and volunteers on the day. It is an event suitable for the youngest children to the serious cyclists – there is something for anyone who can push the pedals. A friendly and fun way to raise money for a very worthy cause.”
“Great day. Great route. Great cause. Great job!
“The 50 mile route took me through some beautiful Essex countryside but with a few more hills than i was expecting it also felt like a real challenge and achievement!“
“Awesome routes well marshalled and organised we had a great day in the Essex sunshine!“
“Its now firmly an annual calendar event. Having only missed the first ever event I’ve been joined by various friends and family over the years, and we’re always lucky with the weather!“
“Well organised, fantastic day out. The sun was shining, the 65 mile route was absolutely stunning, certainly one of the best I have had the privilege of riding. Thank you for organising and a huge shout out to the fabulous Marshalls out on the route.“
“Very glad I was able to attend and ride the 15ml route to remember my friend Ed Knight.“
“10 out of 10 fantastic day“
“Don’t think about entering…. just do it.“
Looking Ahead
Ride for Helen continues to grow thanks to our riders, supporters, volunteers, and sponsors. We’re already looking forward to Ride for Helen Sunday 10th May 2026 – SAVE THE DATE – and we hope to see you there!
You might also be interested in …
If you enjoyed Ride for Helen 2025 or are looking to support Helen Rollason Cancer Charity in other ways, we have a calendar full of exciting events for the rest of the year!
🎉 Other Events Coming Up in 2025
- Vintage Events – Discover classic cars, vintage games, live music, unique stalls and delicious food at our much-loved events, with all proceeds supporting our services.
- Christmas Gift and Food Market – A fantastic opportunity to shop local and handmade, all while raising money for people living with cancer.
- Father Christmas Experience – Get into the festive spirit with this magical day out for the whole family.
Visit our Events page for dates, venues and ticket information.
🏃♀️ Feeling Adventurous? Join a Sporting Challenge
If you’re up for a challenge, why not take on one of our sporting fundraising events?
- Running Challenges – Regents & Hyde Park, Alton Towers, London Landmarks or Hackney Half.
- Tough Mudder
- Bungee Jump
- Skydive for Helen
- Overseas challenges
Sign up for sporting challenge: HRCC Challenges
☕️ Fundraise Your Own Way
You don’t have to take on a big challenge to make a difference. Whether you’re fundraising at home, in your community, or at work, every penny raised helps us provide services for people living with cancer. Here are some popular and easy ways to get started:
- Tea for Helen – Host a tea party with friends, colleagues or neighbours.
- Plant Sale – Sell your homegrown plants, herbs, or flowers.
- Charity Fun Day – Organise a community BBQ, games day, or mini fair.
- Sponsored Silence – Great for schools or workplaces!
- Dress Down Day – Invite colleagues to wear casual clothes for a donation.
- Bake Sale – Always a winner at schools, clubs and offices.
- Car Boot or Jumble Sale – Declutter and donate the proceeds.
- Craft Workshop or Art Auction – Showcase local talent while raising money.
- Quiz Night – A fun way to bring people together and raise funds.
Ready to plan your own fundraiser? Get in touch with our fundraising team fundraising@helenrollason.org.uk – we’ll support you every step of the way!
