The countdown has begun to get your final entries in for a Norfolk bike ride in aid of the region's seriously ill children.East Anglia's Children's Hospices' Ride for Life, sponsored by the Times sister paper the Eastern Daily Press, has already attracted hundreds of families to dust down their bikes and head for Thetford Forest on May 18.

The countdown has begun to get your final entries in for a Norfolk bike ride in aid of the region's seriously ill children.

East Anglia's Children's Hospices' Ride for Life, sponsored by the Times sister paper the Eastern Daily Press, has already attracted hundreds of families to dust down their bikes and head for Thetford Forest on May 18.

The popular annual event, now in its 15th year, is open to people of all ages and all cycling abilities - with freedom to choose a route of between 10 and 35 miles.

Each and every penny raised will go towards the work of EACH, which has hospices at Quidenham, Ipswich and Milton, near Cambridge.

Among those taking part are the Pinder family of Strumpshaw, near Norwich, who have first hand experience of the amazing support that EACH can offer.

Ted, now 11, was one month short of his fifth birthday when he was diagnosed with a brain tumour. It was successfully removed but was found to be malignant and part of his subsequent treatment involved five weeks of twice-daily radiotherapy at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge.

Ted and his mother Rachel were offered the chance to stay at EACH's hospice in nearby Milton, which also warmly welcomed his younger brother, Robbie.

“The staff were wonderful, very sensitive and couldn't do enough for us,” said Rachel.

“While Ted and I were being looked after at Milton, my husband Andrew and Robbie weren't forgotten.

“They enjoyed a dream night at Colchester Zoo, where they fed the elephants and giraffes. We have been offered so many outings and parties from EACH, we feel like we are part of a very special network of friends.”

The boys were given a chance to shoulder the burden with one of the charity's family support practitioners.

“She has spent time with the boys, doing art with them, getting to know them and finding out about their feelings,” added Rachel.

“They both grew to trust her, and confided their worries, which helped us all enormously.

“Now Ted has been off treatment for two and half years, and is doing really well. He and Robbie have sent at first hand the important work of EACH do and are particularly keen to raise money to support them.”

Ride for Life consists of four fully marshalled routes around Thetford Forest, beginning and ending at Santon Downham, with 10 and 25 miles off-road or 19 or 35 miles on an even surface.

People can hire a bike or bring their own, walk or jog for three or nine miles and bring the dog along too.

Once registered, entrants are sent a rider/walker pack, which includes official numbers, sponsor form, a map and other information.

The event includes stalls, refreshments and a barbeque as well as entertainment.

Call 01953 715559 for an entry form or book online at www.each.org.uk.

To sponsor the Pinders, visit www.justgiving.com/rachelpinder.