A WINCHESTER charity is hoping to net thousands of pounds from a 120-mile sponsored bike ride next month.

Cyclists will go the distance for the Joe Glover Trust, a charity that supports young children who are going through cancer treatment. Setting off from Trafalgar Square, London, the hardy riders will travel to Colden Common before finishing in Bournemouth on June 26.

The ride is supported by Red Skye Cycle Tours with ride leaders, first aiders, support vehicles and outreach riders on hand to assist throughout the day.

Entry fee for the full ride is £135. Those interested in riding the last leg – starting in Colden Common – will pay £45. However, participants must raise a minimum of £100 in sponsorship for the charity.

The Joe Glover Trust was formed in 2007 following the death of eight-year-old Joe Glover to Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. The Trust supports local families when their child is having cancer treatment.

They assist those needing help with finances, by awarding financial hardship grants. These are awarded for many reasons, including helping families make mortgage payments and cover travel expenses.

All these families are receiving treatment at the Regional Pediatric Oncology Centre at Southampton General Hospital.

The Trust have supported Southampton General Hospital’s Piam Brown ward since 2007 when the Trust was founded.

Alex Waltham, fundraising coordinator at the trust, said: “When a child is diagnosed with cancer, many parents are forced to give up work or take unpaid leave to care for their sick child.

“The mortgage, council tax and other household expenditure do not go away. The Joe Glover Trust exists to help families whose child has cancer and who are struggling financially by giving financial crisis grants. We would love your help and support.”

To sign up visit: thejoeglovertrust.org or contact Ms Waltham via alex@thejoeglovertrust.org