NORWICH City is encouraging people to slip into the saddle and take part in a sponsored charity bike ride.

NORWICH City is encouraging people to slip into the saddle and take part in a sponsored charity bike ride.

Cyclists of all ages and abilities will have the chance to raise funds for East Anglia's Children's Hospices (Each) by taking part in this year's annual EDP Ride for Life.

The event, which is in its 17th year, is backed by the Canaries and all money raised will go towards helping life-threatened children and their families.

Scores of people are expected to turn out into the spring weather on May 16 at Santon Downham in Thetford Forest for a variety of cycle rides, ranging from 10 to 35 miles, with on and off-road routes available.

For those who prefer to raise funds on two feet rather than on a saddle, there will also be three and nine-mile walking routes available.

Last year more than 1,200 people took part, raising more than �60,000 for the charity. Norwich City striker Chris Martin said it was important as many people as possible took part in 2010.

“The charity is there for people to get involved in and to do their bit for,” he said. “Football's got a lot of backing and if we can transfer some of that to the charity then we should.”

Each, which relies mainly on public funding, provides care and support for life-threatened children and their families in their own homes, as well as at the charity's hospices at Quidenham in Norfolk, Milton in Cambridgeshire and Ipswich in Suffolk.

Each events fundraiser, Karen Chesney, said: “We now need to encourage cyclists and walkers, either past participants or those who have never got involved before, to dust off their saddles and dig out their walking shoes.

“Not only will they be able to get out and get fit while experiencing the breathtaking scenery of Thetford Forest with family and friends, but they will also have the satisfaction of knowing they are raising vital funds to provide care and support to life-threatened children and their families.”

This year also sees the launch of the Virtual Ride for Life which will take place at gyms and leisure centres across East Anglia and will see individuals or teams sponsored to walk or cycle the distances offered at the actual event.

Entry fees for the EDP Ride for Life are:

Cyclists: adults, �10, children 13 years and under, �5, family ticket (maximum of two adults and two children aged 16 and under) �18, team (minimum of four adults), �8 per person.

Walking: adults, �6, children from five to 16-years-old, �4, children under five, free.

Discounted fees are available by entering online at www.each.og.uk/rideforlife. For more information about each visit the website at www.each.org.uk, or call 01223 205180.