RIDERS are being encouraged to join forces with a Colchester hospice to raise £100,000 for charity.

St Helena Hospice, based in Highwoods, has launched an ambitious cycling challenge which will see riders cycle for five days through three countries.

The event, called the 3-2-1 Cycle, which will take place in October 2015, will coincide with the hospice’s 30th anniversary.

Helen Causer, head of fundraising at the hospice, said: “The cycle is an exciting addition to our challenge calendar for 2015 and we are hoping it will raise more than £100,000 of vital funds for the running of the hospice.

“We’ve introduced the challenge due to the huge success of our annual family cycle ride, and a call for something longer and more testing.

Cycling is now incredibly popular in the UK and we are encouraging cyclists of all abilities to take part in our tour.”

Just 100 riders are able to take part in the event, which will take in the hospice’s inpatient unit, in Myland Hall, Brussels and Amsterdam.

An information evening will take place on October 22 at the Highwoods base.

Top find out more, go to www.sthelenahospice.org.uk/321.