MORE than 50 horse riders are making their final preparations for a poignant charity trek through the Essex countryside this weekend.

James Hore

MORE than 50 horse riders are making their final preparations for a poignant charity trek through the Essex countryside this weekend.

Linda Betchley, of Langenhoe, near Colchester, has organised the ride in memory of her mother, Janet Betchley, who died of cancer aged 80 earlier this year.

It will see riders from across the region enjoying an eight or 15-mile course over stubble fields, farm tracks and bridleways in the Langenhoe and Fingringhoe area.

The event will raise money for two charities - Essex Air Ambulance and St Helena Hospice in Colchester - and Mrs Betchley said it was a way of thanking staff at the hospice for the support they gave her mother in her final weeks.

She said: “The Air Ambulance can make the difference and save a life and for St Helena Hospice it is to say 'thank you' for the wonderful care they gave mum and the support they gave me in the three weeks leading up to mums death on January 1 this year from mouth cancer .

“Hopefully one day medical science can prevent the pain and suffering cancer in any form causes. For my mum and many others like her and their loved ones we will always be in debt to the hospice.”

The course will be marked, marshalls will be on duty and the Whale Bone pub at Fingringhoe will provide a welcome stop for horses and riders.

St John Ambulance will be on standby and local vets and a blacksmith will be providing on-call cover for the horses to make sure everyone has a safe and enjoyable day.

Riders will set off in small groups from 8.30am on Sunday, with the last ones starting at 1.30pm and all participants will receive a rosette and certificate on completion.

The ride starts at Langenhoe Hall Farm, Langenhoe Hall Lane, Langenhoe, off the B1025.

n More riders are still welcome to enter. For details contact Mrs Betchley on 01206 729543.