CHARTERED insurance broker Pound Gates is celebrating its 25th year in business by challenging 25 staff to cycle 25 miles dressed as Santa with a target of raising more than �5,000 for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH).

The ride, planned for December 9, will follow a circular route around Ipswich from the company’s offices at St Vincent House and include a stop-off at the EACH Treehouse hospice to deliver presents for the children.

Pound Gates aims to raise money through personal and corporate donations to fund family and bereavement support sessions for over 300 families.

Marketing manager Robert Appleton said: “Every year we participate in a large charitable event and this year we wanted this to align to our 25th anniversary. We have had a great response from our staff eager to participate in either cycling, fund raising or supporting our riders.

“2013 is all set to be a great year for Pound Gates celebrating success over the last 25 years and looking forward to the next 25!”

For more information visit, www.justgiving.com/santa-cycle .

EACH supports families and cares for children and young people with life-threatening conditions across the East of England. It provides care and support wherever the family wishes – in families’ own homes, in the community or at one of its hospices.