CYCLISTS are being invited to saddle-up for a fundraising challenge in support of hospice care.

St Richard’s Hospice, in Worcester, is holding its Bikeathon event on Sunday July 1 – challenging participants to take on a scenic 16, 45 or 64-mile sportive route.

Each route starts and finishes at the hospice in Wildwood Drive, while the two longer rides will be timed.

The courses will all be clearly signposted and will pass through mainly quiet country lanes, or specific bike routes.

Kelly Johns, Fundraiser at St Richard’s, said: “We’re excited for the return of the Bikeathon this summer.

“It’s a fantastic and rewarding event, offering something for a range of abilities – including challenging routes for more seasoned cyclists to tackle.

“Everyone taking part will pass through some beautiful countryside, with regular refreshment stops along the way.

“And there’s the added bonus that any money raised will help us care for patients, their loved ones and bereaved people across the county.”

The 16-mile route passes through villages including Kempsey and Pirton; the 45-mile route takes in Eckington and Pershore and the 64-mile route travels as far as Broadway and Snowshill.

The Bikeathon is sponsored by Midland Communications which is entering a team for the challenge of more than 20 staff, family members, customers and friends.

Dave Webster, director at Midland Communications, said: “St Richard’s provides vital support to the people of Worcestershire and the surrounding area and, as an essential resource, it needs all the support it can get.

“We wanted to do our bit. We’re a local business. We employ local people. Our customers are local people. We wanted to get involved for them; to play our part in ensuring that St Richard’s continues to do its excellent work for many years to come. It’s a pleasure to be involved.

“Why not get a team from your business involved, it’s a great team builder and is for a great cause?”

Stuart Mico, director at Midland Communications, said: "As a local business employing local people we all know of someone who has benefited from the care offered by St. Richard’s Hospice and that’s our main driver for wanting to be involved.”

To sign-up for the Bikeathon visit www.strichards.org.uk/bikeathon, alternatively contact Kelly Johns on 01905 763963 or email kjohns@strichards.org.uk