CYCLISTS will descend on Stockton this weekend to take part in a popular annual cycle ride in aid of a North-East hospice.

The Big Butterwick Bike Ride was founded 19 years ago by Stockton-resident Brian Hutchinson in memory of his sister Christine, to raise money for Butterwick Hospice Care, which cared for Christine when she was terminally ill.

Ashleigh Wood, Butterwick Fundraiser, said: “The Big Bike Ride is one of the best-supported events in our calendar – a fact that is entirely down to Brian’s tireless efforts to bang the drum and get as many people involved as possible.

The event has raised more than £110,000 since its inception for the hospice, which is based in Stockton and Bishop Auckland, and typically attracts upwards of 100 cyclists.

The circular route offers a scenic tour through Stockton, Elton, Long Newton, Sadberge, Bishopton, and Redmarshall, and leaves from the Elm Tree Social Club, in Stockton.

Ashleigh added: “Like many organisations, we’re still making up lost ground from shutting down fundraising almost entirely during lockdown, so it really is vital to get the maximum number of cyclists involved and raise as much as we can to support terminally ill people and their families in our communities.

“A huge ‘thank you’ to Brian from everyone at the hospice.”

Riders can visit www.butterwick.org.uk/events or call 01642 628930 to sign up for the Butterwick Big Bike Ride. Entry costs £10 and cyclists will leave from the Elm Tree Social Club, in Stockton, on Sunday, September 25 at 10am.