NEARLY 1,000 cyclists got on their bikes to raise money for the J's Hospice.

Admirals Park in Chelmsford was a sea of bicycles, cycling helmets and lycra on Sunday as 994 keen cyclists got on their bikes for the seventh annual Pedal for The J’s bike ride, which is sponsored by Beaulieu.

With 15, 35 and 50 mile routes families and experienced bikers signed up, with 363 people joining up on the day.

The shortest route took them through Great Waltham, Pleshey and Chignall St James; the 35 mile route went out to High Easter, White Roding and Roxwell while the most enthusiastic cyclists rode to Hatfield Heath, Matching and Hobbs Cross.

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The J’s Hospice supports young adults with life-limiting conditions and their families across Essex.

The charity's patron, Dan Bentley – who won a Boccia Team Paralympic gold medal at Beijing 2008 and bronze at London 2012 – was also there to help hand out the medals to the cyclists.

Jessica Dellow, the charity’s Event Manager, explained: “This year’s Pedal for The J’s has been another big success - we’ve been very lucky that the weather was so good!

"Thank you to all of the fantastic cyclists and the volunteers who helped on the day.

"We estimate that around 35,000 miles were cycled through the beautiful countryside and, once we’ve received all of the sponsorship and donations, we hope to have raised around £37,000.”

Tandem: Patrick Day, 52, and Ciara Day, nine, of Writtle, cycled 15 miles. ​

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Ciara said: “I really enjoyed it and I’m not puffed out at all!”

She helped to hand out medals to the other riders at the finish line. 

J's Hospice volunteers celebrate a successful event

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Tanya Pearey, Imogen Pearey & Paralympic medallist Dan Bentley

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Helen Greaves-Park, Mark Hayden & Wendy Welham cycled 35 miles. 

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Wendy said: "A friend of mine volunteers at The J’s Hospice so I know that it’s a great charity.

"Pedal for The J’s is very well organised and marshalled.

"I enjoy cycling through the beautiful countryside and it’s a friendly and sociable event.

"You get chatting to the other cyclists - that is how I met Helen last year!

"I absolutely recommend it and will be back again."

Emily Pullan, 25, and Poppy Church, 24, of Beaulieu cycled 50 miles.

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It was Emily’s first and Poppy’s second Pedal.

Emily and Poppy were part of the team of 20 cyclists from Beaulieu who were the sponsors of Pedal for The J’s. Beaulieu has been kindly supporting The J’s Hospice because the charity helps to care for Poppy’s brother.  

They said: "It was a great ride through beautiful countryside.

"The route was good with clear signage and good refreshment stops.

"There were a few hills and it was tougher at the end - but we rose to the challenge and enjoyed it. We recommend it to other cyclists!"