CYCLISTS are being encouraged to get on their bikes for a Basingstoke hospice.

St Michael’s Hospice, in Aldermaston Road, has opened registration for the 23rd Big Wheel, taking place at Down Grange Sports Complex, off Pack Lane from 9am this Sunday.

Riders can take part in one of four routes – five miles, 18 miles, 31 miles and a challenging 63 miles. A special route – The Little Wheel 4 is for children between the ages of two and seven. All children taking part in the special route will receive a medal upon completion of the route.

Last year’s event saw more than 1,300 riders raise £55,000. This year the hospice hopes 2,000 people will take part and raise more than £60,000.

St Michael’s Hospice cares for people with life-limiting illnesses through its in-patient unit, Hospice at Home service and its range of outpatient services.

The hospice provides care free of charge to patients, and with only 22 per cent of its funding coming from the North Hampshire Clinical Commissioning Group, it needs to raise an additional £2.5million to provide its services.

Chris Griffiths, marketing and events manager at the hospice, said: “Big Wheel is our biggest hospice-led fundraising event for 2015 and attracts both families and experienced riders."

“We are lucky to have an incredible venue at Down Grange and stunning countryside for the riders to cycle throughHe added: "This year we hope to see as many people as possible taking part and have our best year yet. We rely on the support of the local community to make this event the success it is.”

To sign up, and for more information on registration fees, visit stmichaelshospice.org.uk/events or call 01256 848848.