CYCLISTS are preparing to take part in a special ride through the countryside for a mid Essex charity.

Cycle for Life is Farleigh Hospice’s annual sponsored bike ride through the Essex countryside.

The popular event sees cyclists of all abilities choose from three scenic routes, either 20, 50 or 100 kilometres.

It is a fun family day out as children can take part for free and cyclists receive a free t-shirt and a finishers medal.

Deborah Marshall, from Maldon, will be at the start line of the 20km ride with her 12-year-old daughter, Grace.

Deborah works as an HR Business Partner at Farleigh and is a keen supporter of the charity, which provides hospice care and specialist support, free of charge, to people affected by life-limiting illnesses and bereavement across mid Essex.

This includes Braintree, Burnham, Chelmsford, Maldon and Witham.

On May 18, Deborah completed a 25km Jurassic Coast Walk in Dorset with her friend, Liz Pike, raising more than £550 for Farleigh.

She said: “I work at Farleigh and know people who have been cared for by the hospice, so I have seen first-hand the fantastic care that it provides, not only to the patients but also their families.

“Farleigh wouldn’t be able to help so many local people without fundraising events like Cycle for Life.”

All routes start and finish at Farleigh’s hospice building in Broomfield, Chelmsford.

For more information, to book or to volunteer at the event, go to farleighhospice.org/cycle.