More than 60 people took to the streets of Ipswich and beyond over the weekend in support of a Suffolk charity’s annual fundraiser.

East Anglian Daily Times: More than 60 people took part in the annual cycle and walk for Headway Suffolk. Picture: CEDRIC FAIRWEATHERMore than 60 people took part in the annual cycle and walk for Headway Suffolk. Picture: CEDRIC FAIRWEATHER (Image: Headway Suffolk)

Saturday marked the tenth anniversary of Headway Suffolk’s annual sponsored cycle ride and, to mark the milestone year, the charity added an additional walking route too.

The event was open to businesses and individuals alike, with cyclists able to choose between a 28-mile or 40-mile route, taking in Ipswich, Newbourne and Felixstowe. Both routes kicked off from the charity’s base in Epsilon House, West Road, Ipswich.

For the first time this year, people could choose to take part in a 10-mile walk through Ipswich, travelling via Felixstowe Road, past the University of Suffolk and Suffolk New College and along Woodbridge Road past Ipswich Hospital.

Among the many businesses taking part this year were Seven Asset, Pound Gates, Orwell Trucks, Feathers Hair Salon Group, and a team from Headway.

Almost £4,000 has been raised from this year’s event so far, with donations still coming in. It takes the total amount raised in the 10 years since the event’s creation to over £50,000.

Helen Fairweather, chief executive of Headway Suffolk, who took part in the event herself, hailed the event as a great success, and said that preparations were already under way to add an additional cycle route next year.

“This was our tenth anniversary of the sponsored bike ride so we wanted to do something to celebrate,” she said. “Not everyone is a cyclist and we wanted to include as many people as possible so decided to add the sponsored walk.

“This was very well received and enjoyed by all. We are looking forward to next year and making the walk longer.

“There will also be a new 50 mile cycle loop for those want more of a cycling challenge!

“Our thanks go to Seven Asset, Pound Gates, Orwell Trucks, Feathers Hair Salon Group, and everyone else who supported the event, it went really well.”

Headway Suffolk supports 250 adults a week who are living with a brain injury or neurological condition, offering a range of rehabilitation, therapy and support services. It has bases in Ipswich and Bury St Edmunds, but works countywide.

For more information, visit www.headwaysuffolk.org.uk