Spin your spokes forChestnut Tree 100

Chestnut Tree, the children's hospice service for East Sussex, has officially launched the 2016 Chestnut Sussex 100 cycle ride, which returns for its third year with a fantastic new start location and route.
By The Newsroom
Published 17th Jul 2016, 14:46 BST
Updated 7th Jun 2018, 21:24 BST
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The charity is calling upon the people of East Sussex to come together and help them reach more children in the county. The event will take place on Sunday September 25. Starting at Plumpton Racecourse, Lewes the ride takes in the glorious Sussex countryside, passing through towns and villages including Uckfield, Buckstead, Horam, Mayfield and Rotherfield.

Last year’s successful inaugural bike ride saw over 400 riders raising £60,000 for the hospice, and this year organisers are hoping for an even bigger and better ride.

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“We’ve learned a lot from the first two years of Chestnut Sussex 100” says event organiser Kerry O’Neill from Chestnut Tree. “We had a lot of positive comments from riders who enjoyed the scenic yet challenging routes and we are building on that to improve the experience this year. We have planned an exciting brand new route this year, and riders have a choice between 32km, 66km or 103km routes. We are hoping that this will mean there really is something for everyone.”

Chestnut Tree currently cares for 300 children with life-shortening conditions from across Sussex and South-East Hampshire. Linda Perry, Director of Children’s Services at Chestnut Tree says the cycle ride is important to enable them to continue with their work. “We are aiming to double the number of children with life-shortening conditions and their families that we are caring for in East Sussex, but to do that we need to raise awareness and funds. We receive less than seven percent of our funding from central government so we rely on fundraising events such as the Chestnut Sussex 100 to continue to offer and expand our services.”

Previous participants of the Chestnut Sussex 100 have described the event as ‘amazing’ and ‘enjoyable’, with one rider saying: “The event was organised brilliantly. The route was challenging but manageable and took in some really beautiful parts of the county. It was well sign-posted which made it really easy to navigate and everyone at the pit stops was fantastic.”

Registration for the event closes on Wednesday September 14 and costs £35. Entry is open to anyone over the age of 18 (over 16’s can participate if accompanied by an adult) and includes chip timing and refreshments en route. Register at: www.chestnut-tree-house.org.uk/sussex100. Get your spokes spinning for Chestnut’s Sussex 100

Related topics:East Sussex