THE Rotary Club of Farnham’s hugely successful Cyclathon will return in the new year, having raised £15,000 for charity at the first time of asking in February 2016.

The Cyclathon is a fun event designed for all members of the community to participate in raising funds for the Rotary Club Benevolent Fund.

It will take place on February 25 at the Farnham Maltings when teams of four, or five for children, will have a one-hour slot to ride an exercise bike in turn.

Anyone can participate by offering sponsorship for the event, entering teams, or by joining or sponsoring an existing team.

This year the main charities to benefit will be Phyllis Tuckwell, Surrey Young Carers and Children’s Homes in Kerala State with the balance of funds raised going to other local causes.

The 2017 event is being supported by The Bush Hotel, Farnham Herald, Castles Estate Agents, Farnham Furnishers, Specsavers, Covers, Michael Conoley Associates, Preferred Travel and Farnham Town Council.

The exercise bikes are being provided by Nuffield Health and the venue will once again be Farnham Maltings.

George Alford, president of the Rotary Club of Farnham, said: “Following the success of last year’s event we are delighted to offer the community another opportunity to support local charities whilst taking some healthy exercise, indoors, in the heart of winter.”

Jen Barnes of Phyllis Tuckwell added: “We would like to thank the Farnham Rotary Club for their continued support of Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice Care.

“Last year the Cyclathon raised a huge £7,500 for Phyllis Tuckwell, which is enough to fund our bereavement services for a week, supporting the families of our patients – including their children - through one of the most difficult times of their lives.

“As the NHS/Government only covers 20 per cent of our costs, we have to raise over £20,000 every day to fund the care and support we provide for local people who are living with a terminal illness, which is why fundraising events such as this are so important.”

Sue Skerrit of Surrey Young Carer’s said: “We would like to thank the Rotary Club of Farnham for its support. Surrey Young Carers works with young carers under 18, and their families, on minimising the impact of their caring role.

Entry forms for the Cyclathon 2017 and other information are available on the club’s website www.rotaryfarnham.co.uk.