Hundreds of riders turn out at Helen Rollason Cancer Charity Ride for Suffolk cycle event!

Just under two hundred cyclists from around the county and beyond, gathered at Trinity Park near Ipswich yesterday (Sunday 26^th June) for the Ride for Helen Suffolk cycle ride organised by Helen Rollason Cancer Charity!  

The event offered cyclists the chance to sign up for either 65 or 35 mile routes through some of the beautiful Suffolk countryside. The 65 mile route for the experienced cyclists took them through the villages and towns of Grundisburgh, Clopton Green, Monewden, Kettleburgh, Brandeston, Earl Soham, Saxtead Green, Framlingham, Wickham Market, Tunstall Forest, Chillesford, Melton and Woodbridge. Whilst the 35 mile route passed through Grundisburgh, Clopton Green, Monewden, Sutton Hoo, Easton, Wickham Market, Ufford, Melton and Woodbridge. Both routes showed off the stunning Suffolk countryside with marshals and arrows guiding the way.

Mark Salter, 58 from Ipswich took part in the 65 mile ride; “What a great day we’ve had at Ride for Helen Suffolk – we were blessed with fine weather throughout! My friends and I thought the route was very picturesque with light traffic and good signage. For the price we paid for our ticket I think it was excellent value for money and all for a very worthy cause.” 

Paul Goldring, 48 from Ipswich added; “The elevations of the route were fantastic – challenging but not unachievable. We really appreciated the volunteer marshals cheering us on as we went past and the water stops. A brilliant experience we will be back next year and I will be recommending Ride for Helen Suffolk to all my cycling buddies.” 

Debbie Wallace, 51 from Maldon joined her daughter Izzy, 15, who was taking part in achieving her Duke of Edinburgh Award. Debbie commented; “This was the first time we had taken part in an organised cycle event and we were both extremely impressed. The scenery around rural Suffolk was beautiful and the route was easy to follow. Thanks to all the volunteers and organisers for making our experience thoroughly enjoyable – a fantastic cause.”  

Helen Rollason Cancer Charity Head of Fundraising and Marketing Zoe Jay said: “What a fantastic turnout with just under two hundred supporters attending our Ride for Helen Suffolk cycle ride. The money raised at this event will enable us to provide counselling appointments and complementary therapy treatments for our clients. 

We were delighted to have East of England Co-Op support our event for the second year in a row and Elmy Cycles of Ipswich who helped with promotion, cycle checks and rider maintenance on the day. And certainly not forgetting the countless volunteers, friends and family who gave up their day to make Ride for Helen such a success. Thank you one and all!

It costs around £850,000 annually to keep our charity operational. Therefore, we really needed to make this event a success and raise as much money as possible to keep supporting men and women living with cancer.  

We work in conjunction with the East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation and every penny raised at this event will go towards ensuring we continue to provide the best possible cancer care now and in the future. 

Here are some examples of the impact we have on our clients:

“I am so grateful for being introduced to this wonderful service and charity and I would not hesitate to recommend it to others facing cancer.” 

“The help I received was paramount to my recovery. I have nothing but praise for all.” 

The next cycling event Ride for Helen Essex takes place in Hatfield Peverel, Essex on Sunday 14^th May 2023. Keep an eye on the website for further details; www.rideforhelen.co.uk 

Photo Credit:  Chris Bedwell Photography