NEXT month, 100 cyclists are set to descend on Cheshire for a 100-mile fundraising challenge to support families affected by childhood cancers.

The Cheshire Dash is returning for 2023 after raising an incredible £60,000 for Northwich-based charity The Joshua Tree last year.

The Joshua Tree has seen a 450 per cent rise in referrals since 2020 and last year alone received 90 new family referrals at an average cost of £4,000 per family.

With the cost-of-living rise, this is expected to rise to £4,500 per year per family, so the support from the Cheshire Dash 2023 is expected to make a real difference to the charity.

Catriona Marshall, founder of the Transforming Lives charity, who organises the annual event, said: "The Joshua Tree is an incredible charity, being both down to earth and yet ambitious to bring the best support to families across the North West and North Wales, who have a child with cancer.

"Their heart-warming approach and appreciation of our help has inspired us to pull out the stops and raise as much as we can through The Dash.

"We know you'll all work hard and feel great about supporting these amazing people."

Entry is open for the Cheshire Dash, which takes place on Saturday, July 1.

The ride starts in Goostrey (after hot breakfast baps and a warm up), and will go through some of Cheshire’s most beautiful countryside, heading out beyond Chester and looping back via The Joshua Tree centre in Sandiway, before returning to Goostrey for a BBQ.

The event welcomes cyclists, for whom 100 miles will be a major achievement, to those with the experience to sail through the 100 miles, enjoying the views and the first-class hospitality. The event is being supported by Bentley Manchester. 

Catriona added: "This is very much a community event, supported by local businesses, who are keen to help raise funds for The Joshua Tree.

"One hundred pre cent of donations raised by the riders will go to the charity. We’ve raised more than £270,000 for charity since we started The Cheshire Dash in 2018."

To enter, please click on the above entry link or send an email to the charity at transforminglives6745@gmail.com.