Over 800 cyclists from around the county and beyond, gathered at Crix in Hatfield Peverel to take part in Ride for Helen Essex 2022 sponsored by Bellway, raising over £36,000 for the charity!
The annual bike ride, now in its ninth year, has become a firm favourite on the Essex cycling calendar and is one of the biggest and best cycling events in the region. The Charity welcomed riders of all ages and abilities, with a choice of cycling routes; 6 miles, 15 miles, 30 miles, 50 miles and 65 miles. Those enjoying the beautiful countryside routes included families with small children, seasoned road cyclists and even a Unicyclist and penny farthings!
We were delighted to be joined by the Mayor of Chelmsford Cllr Jude Deakin, accompanied by Mayoress Helen Deakin, Deputy Mayor Cllr Linda Mascot and supported by her husband, Ian, as her Consort. The Mayor gave out medals to returning riders and chatted with volunteers and staff about the charity and their services.
HRCC client Wendy Lackenby, 66 from Boreham and her daughter Charlotte took part in the 15 mile cycle ride. Wendy said; “What beautiful country lanes and pleasant ride. We both thoroughly enjoyed ourselves thanks to all the organisers. We wanted to take part as my mother sadly passed from cancer and I am now at stage four – the charity has helped me immensely through my cancer journey and we wanted to give something back to say thank you.”
Charlotte Ruston, 23 from Chelmsford took part in memory of her father Neil Ruston who sadly passed away this year. Neil took part in many previous Ride for Helen events and was a keen supporter of the charity. Charlotte took part alongside her mother Deanne Ruston and was joined by over 30 members of their family, friends and loved ones. Charlotte said; “We have been blown away by the incredible support of everyone here today. Mum and I know my dad would be looking down watching over us, so proud we have completed our ride in his memory. Our just giving page has already exceeded over £1,800 and sponsorship money is still coming in! Thank you to all our friends and family who joined us today, especially my brothers George and Tom.”
You can still sponsor the Ruston family here
Jasmine Brown, 9 and mum Sonia 41 from Nounsley took part in the six mile route. Jasmine said; “my favourite bit of the route was when we got to the top of the big hill and shouted we made it!”Sonia said; “I’d recommend the six mile route to young families as it was really pretty along quiet country lanes and totally safe. Next year, Jasmine and I are hoping to do the 15 mile route! Well done to all involved, so well organised.”
Paul Pelling 60 and Freya Pelling 23 from Danbury, took part in memory of Jane Pelling, their wife and mum. Paul said; “Losing Jane to cancer was catastrophic at the age of just 57. Throughout her illness, Jane maintained that beautiful smile, her love of life and optimism. Such a caring, calm and thoughtful person, who will always be in our memories and will forever continue to be an inspiration.
Our daughter Freya has already ran two marathons and we’ve all taken part in Ride for Helen this year to raise money for the charity and to honour Jane’s memory. Almost £10,000 on our just giving page! Thank you to all the marshals, volunteers and organisers for a fantastic event.”
Duncan Castle, 53 from Coggeshall took part in the 30 mile route; “Clearly sign posted, great marshals, quiet country lanes – exactly what you want in a cycle ride. I’m looking forward to hearing how much has been raised for this fantastic charity!”
Terry Green, 72 and former Trustee of the charity and his grandson Harvey 13, both from Chelmsford, took part in the 15 mile route riding tandem! “Many years ago I purchased a tandem, which at the time I thought was a good idea. One trip around the block and my wife declared never again! So the tandem sat forlorn in the garage. Over the years the grandchildren have looked at it but at the time none were big enough or enthusiastic enough, until now!
Harvey and I had a fantastic day and the organisers did an amazing job with the routes, signage, marshals and a great selection of food and drink at the end. Well done all!”
Bellway Managing Director Richard Burrows said “Congratulations to all the staff members at Helen Rollason for producing such a fantastic event and massive congratulations to those who participated on Sunday too. The support from the community was incredible and we were delighted to see so many people donating and participating on the day which ultimately, made the day a resounding success. We have thoroughly enjoyed collaborating with Helen Rollason for the Ride for Helen event and look forward to supporting them in the future.”
Helen Rollason Cancer Charity ‘spokes-person’ and Community Fundraiser Karen Mitchell said; “What a fantastic turnout with over 800 supporters attending our annual Ride for Helen Essex raising in the region of £36,000 for the Charity! This event alone will fund 720 counselling appointments or 720 reflexology sessions for our clients.
We’d like to thank Bellway Homes for being our headline sponsor this year, Ian and Alison Twinley for allowing us to hold our event every year at Crix, East of England Co-Op, Eat Natural, Spokes Cycle Repair, all the supermarkets who donated water and bananas, and our water stop hosts at the Prince of Wales in Broxted, Western Arms in Silver End, The Blue Egg in Great Bardfield and Bocking Church.
A massive thank you to everyone who joined us; to our riders, volunteers, friends and family who gave up their Sunday to help out; the day would not have been such a success without you all!
We are now looking forward to our next annual cycling event taking place on Sunday 26th June 2022; Ride for Helen Suffolk! Our event offers cyclists the chance to sign up for either 65 or 35 mile routes through some of the picturesque Suffolk countryside. The Ride will start and finish at Trinity Park, Ipswich, home of the Suffolk Show.
65 mile route; for the experienced cyclist keen to enjoy some of the beautiful rural Suffolk countryside including Grundisburgh, Clopton Green, Monewden, Kettleburgh, Brandeston, Earl Soham, Saxtead Green, Framlingham, Wickham Market, Tunstall Forest, Chillesford, Melton and Woodbridge.
35 mile route; for the regular cyclist looking for a challenge, cycling on roads passing through Grundisburgh, Clopton Green, Monewden, Sutton Hoo, Easton, Wickham Market, Ufford, Melton and Woodbridge.
We hope to see you there for another fantastic fundraising event in aid of Helen Rollason Cancer Charity!”
