I’d like to draw reader’s attention to the a very worthwhile event. The following article was written by wonderful fellow local blogger Stuart ‘The Edditer’ Williams, of The Bloxwich Telegraph, and I think it deserves wider exposure. It’s a great cause, Graham Cornfield is a really nice bloke, and anything that gets folks cycling can’t be a bad thing.

At 8 am on 1st April 2012, 50 or so riders will set off from Four Ashes for a gruelling 107 mile hilly cycle ride, in aid of Diabetes UK – It is estimated that 5 million people will have diabetes by 2025. Events such as this would not be possible if it was not for the kindness of sponsors and volunteers who help to turn ideas into reality and pledges into pounds.

The i-tms Charity Cycle Ride 2012 has sponsorship opportunities available for local businesses, including printing of the signage for the event, shirt sponsorship, medals, energy bars and goody bag giveaways.

‘This is the 2nd year we’ve undertaken a charity cycle ride and we’d love to hear from anyone who would like to help with sponsorship for the event’ said Cycle For Charity 2012 organiser and local businessman Graham Cornfield. ‘We also need an army of volunteers to help out on the day itself at the start/finish points and along the actual route’.

The 107 mile route starts at Four Ashes and takes in Iron Bridge, Church Stretton and Edgmond before finishing at Four Ashes – all via The Wrekin, one of Shropshire’s most scenic landmarks, and a hill climb which is certain to test even the hardiest of cyclists.

But don’t worry – if that all sounds too much, there’s a much gentler 13 mile short ride!

Joanna Oldfield, Regional Fundraising Manager (Walsall) for Diabetes UK added ‘We are delighted to have been chosen as the charity to benefit from this year’s cycle event on 1st April. Diabetes is one of the biggest health challenges facing the UK today so raising funds and awareness is vitally important. We are thankful to Graham Cornfield for once again holding the event and to all of the cyclists taking part who have committed to taking on the challenge’.

Details of how to get involved with the i-tms Charity Cycle Ride 2012, either as a sponsor or volunteer, or to register as a rider (restricted to 50 places) can be found at the i-tms Cycle_4_Charity website. You can also follow Charity Cycle Ride 2012 on Twitter @cycle_4_charity.