STAFF at St Catherine's Hospice are appealing for people to get 'wheelie' stuck in to more fund-raising.

Ribble Valley Cycling Club, supported by the Cheshire Building Society, are inviting Preston folk to take part in a sponsored charity cycle ride in aid of the hospice on Sunday, June 27, starting and finishing at Preston College.

John Nickson, appeals manager at St Catherine's in Lostock Hall, said: "It's a fun ride for all the family, from complete novice to expert.

"There are three courses people can choose to do. The Chipping ride is 25 miles, The Bleasdale Fell ride is 35 miles and the furthest is the Trough of Bowland ride which is 55 miles."

And there will be £300 worth of prizes for those who raise the most money in sponsorship.

The charity cycle ride, organised in association with the Citizen group and Preston College, is in its 11th year. And staff at St Catherine's hope this year's ride will be the best.

Mr Nickson added: "We are extremely grateful to the Ribble Valley Club for all their hard work, the Cheshire Building Society for its generous sponsorship and the Citizen for its support.

"Since the ride started three years ago, around £90,000 has been raised for St Catherine's - a magnificent total."

Bryan Jones, area manager for the Cheshire Building Society, said: "Helping the community is an important part of being a building society, something to which the Cheshire is firmly committed."

The Citizen's own Shaun Gibbons, pictured centre with Mr Nickson and Mr Jones, will be testing his stamina in the ride.

Any individual, team or family wishing to take part can obtain sponsor forms from cycle shops, Citizen offices, Cheshire Building Society offices and the Hospice on (01772) 324540.

John Nickson is pictured left, with Citizen reporter Shaun Gibbons and Mr Jones.

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