More than £4,850 has been raised for St Elizabeth Hospice, following the success of the Suffolk County Council's chairman's Winter Cycling Mission.

Throughout February and March, Felixstowe councillor Graham Newman was joined by more than 60 cyclists in completing a 272 km virtual bike ride in aid of the hospice, which is his chosen charity for 2021.

The distance was the equivalent of cycling the combined distance of Ipswich to Felixstowe and to all St Elizabeth Hospice premises and shops across Suffolk, in locations such as Beccles, Southwold, Stowmarket and Ipswich.

Cllr Newman said: "I am delighted that so many people joined my Winter Cycling Mission and contributed to this magnificent sum for St Elizabeth Hospice.

"For those of us who have undertaken the mission by cycling outdoors, we've faced some fairly inclement weather - with snow, ice, rain and high winds – so many thanks for their endurance too.

"I'd also like to thank fellow councillors, friends and relatives who have sponsored me personally to the tune of nearly £700; and the 'Keep Moving Suffolk' team who mapped out the route on My Virtual Mission."

Riders of all ages and abilities took part in the mission using a static bike, electric bike or by getting outdoors for a ride before uploading their activities to the mission platform and tracking their distances along the route.

All funds raised have been donated to the independent Suffolk charity, St Elizabeth Hospice, which provides free services to improve life for people living with a progressive or life-limiting illness throughout east Suffolk, Great Yarmouth and Waveney.

Last year, St Elizabeth Hospice cared for more than 3,000 Suffolk patients and their families at a cost of £12.9m, of which 70% was raised by the community through its retail shops and fundraising activities.

Joanne Rodger, Events and Challenges Manager at St Elizabeth Hospice added: "Many congratulations to Graham and everyone involved in completing the Chairman of Suffolk County Council's Winter Cycling Mission.

"We are so grateful to Graham for his continued support and for organising this event which has raised such a fantastic sum. Every penny will make a difference in helping us to continue supporting patients and their families throughout Suffolk who need our vital care, during difficult times in their lives."

All participants in the ride will receive an e-certificate signed by Cllr Newman, as thanks for their efforts.