MORE than 100 riders got on their bikes in the sweltering heat for a new cycling event to raise money for Julia’s House.

The Big Ride replaced the Hospice-to-Hospice Ride, which previously saw cyclists travel between the Dorset hospice in Corfe Mullen and the Wiltshire hospice in Devizes.

This year’s event featured a new circular route starting from Larmer Tree Gardens with the 120 participants choosing between a 50 mile or 100-mile ride.

A spokesperson for Julia’s House said: “There were several welcome refreshment stops along the way and at the end of their journey the cyclists were presented with medals and treated to a celebratory hog roast and glass of Prosecco.”

Last year’s ride raised £63,000 and it is believed that amount could be matched.

Those who took part included Ali Acaster, Julia’s House director of care, and parent ambassador, Charles Andrews, along with 10 of his colleagues from engineering firm, Meggitt.

Charles, whose 14-year-old daughter Katherine receives care from Julia’s House, is currently taking part in the charity’s Trek the Alps challenge event.