A charity bike ride covering the Preston Guild Wheel is taking place to raise funds for St Catherine’s Hospice.

The ride is part of Leyland Trucks’ annual Factory to Festival charity cycling event, which this year will see more than 120 employees and sponsors saddling up for one of three challenges.

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Novice riders and cycling enthusiasts plus their families and friends will take on the LF route, which covers the Guild Wheel.

The CF route will involve an 80-mile cycle and 5,000 ft ascent through the Trough of Bowland, while the XF route will see elite riders cycle 115 miles of Lancashire countryside, complete with an arduous 8,000 ft climb.

The charity cycle takes place on Saturday 15 June. All three routes start at Leyland Trucks’ manufacturing facility and end at Worden Park at around 4pm, to form part of the day’s Leyland Festival celebrations.

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The annual fundraising event, which is organised by Leyland Trucks’ charity committee Helping Hands, has already raised more than £12,000 for St Catherine’s Hospice through entrance fees and commercial shirt sponsorship.

Matt Kersey, Chairman of the Helping Hands Committee, said: “We’re championing every one of our team members and are proud to have so many riders taking on this year’s Factory to Festival challenge, which will be a formidable feat as our biggest cycling event yet.

“St Catherine’s Hospice has touched so many of our colleagues, whose family members, friends and even themselves, have at some point relied on their outstanding services during difficult times.

“All the money we raise will make a considerable difference in helping to future-proof their service provision, especially when a large majority of the Hospice’s running costs are funded solely by donations.

“There will definitely be some healthy competition on the day from our riders, and we want to thank everyone’s huge generosity so far in helping us to raise a fantastic sum of £12,000 before the cycle ride has even taken place.

“We’re fully committed to supporting a number of good causes and work hard to ensure that all the activities we do make a tangible difference to the local community. Cycling fever is sweeping the factory and it’s gearing up to be an exciting day of riding.”

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Helping Hands is managed by a committee of Leyland Trucks employees with a focus on creating a lasting positive legacy across Lancashire. Since it was founded in 1994, Helping Hands has raised more than £1 million for local charities, organisations and projects.

To donate, visit the Factory to Festival JustGiving page.

Are you taking part in the charity cycle? Let us know in the comments below.