STAFF at a car retailer are set to take on a charity cycle ride for an Essex charity.

The team of 15 workers from Vauxhall retailer, Quest Motor Group, is preparing to tackle a 35 mile charity bike ride in aid of The J’s Hospice, which is based in Chelmsford.

The riders from the sales, service and management teams, will take part in the hospice’s annual fundraising Pedal For The J’s event on Sunday April 30.

The team’s fundraising efforts will go a long way to helping The J’s Hospice raise funds to support young adults with life-limiting conditions and their families across Essex, in the comfort of their own homes.

In a bid to build team spirit and give the charity a boost, Quest Motor Group, which has sites in Braintree and Maldon, has paid the entry fee for each participating staff member.

The cyclists are now calling on loyal customers and local residents alike to get behind them and support their fundraising efforts.

Martin Gozzett, Director and family owner at Quest Motor Group, said: “We are delighted to see so many of the team sign up to the charity bike ride.

“We’re thrilled to have a team participate in this wonderful event and support The J’s Hospice and the brilliant work it does across Essex. We are extremely passionate about local causes here at the Quest Motor Group and we are thrilled to help where we can.

“The team has been training extremely hard ahead of the ride and we would encourage local residents to show their support for our team.”

It is the eighth year of the popular Pedal for The J’s which is sponsored by Beaulieu, the exciting new development on the outskirts of Chelmsford by Countryside and L&Q.

As well as the 35 mile route, cyclists can also pedal 15 or 50 miles through the countryside plus there is a new 2 mile off-road Pedal in the Park ride for families with younger children on their bikes, trikes and scooters.

Erika Patterson, The J’s Hospice Events Fundraiser, said: “We are so grateful to Martin and his team at the Quest Motor Group for their kind support for Pedal for The J’s. Please sponsor them or visit our website - www.thejshospice.org.uk – to find out how you can take part too.

“The money raised will help The J’s to continue providing the enhanced care that our young adults and their families rely on, including tailored specialist nursing, respite, advice and emotional care as well as end of life care and bereavement support.”