JULIA Thould and her husband, Colin, from Mid Devon will be among around 1,000 cyclists riding around the outskirts of Crediton on one of the region’s most popular charity events with a mission to support more local families affected by cancer.

FORCE Cancer Charity’s Nello ride is on Sunday, June 28 and Julia is taking part just over two years after a diagnosis of breast cancer.

FORCE supported her throughout her treatment and beyond and as a thank you, she’ll be riding the 60-mile Nello route.

She said: “Having the goal of taking part in The Nello is such a huge motivator for me. Being fit, healthy and maintaining a sensible weight can reduce the risk of recurrence and that’s something I can take control of.

“I’ll be doing The Nello on an e-bike as economically as I can. I hate it when people say that’s cheating because it really isn’t. When I’ve cycled 40 miles on it, I’m a sweaty mess! They’re heavy – the weight of a small car – and you still have to pedal!

“Raising money for FORCE is the least I can do. The wonderful work the charity does is beyond measure to patients and their loved ones navigating their way through the maze that is cancer, its treatment and everything that goes with it. I am happy and proud to be taking part in The Nello this year and I cannot wait!”

The Nello has raised around £1.5 million since it was established in memory of Topsham restaurateur Nello Ghezzo in 2000.

That money supports people across the county – patients and their loved ones – dealing with a cancer diagnosis.

Nello cyclists will tackle 100 or 60 miles around the Devon countryside.

Bike Shed, which has stores in Exeter city centre, Sowton, Crediton and Barnstaple, provide sponsorship and all the technical support that make the event possible.

Their expert crews will be at Topsham for pre-ride checks and out on the course to support cyclists throughout the ride.

There’s still time to sign up. To secure your place, go to https://forcecancercharity.co.uk/nello/

The ride starts at Topsham Rugby Club and heads to Tiverton via Poltimore and Ellerhayes, joining the A396 at the Ruffwell Inn.

There’s a refreshment stop at Tiverton Rugby Club, where the routes splits.

Cyclists on the 100 mile ride move on to Dulverton via Exebridge, then up on to Exmoor via the B3223, refreshments at Comers Gate and on through Simonsbath to South Molton.

There’s a food stop at Quince Honey Farm on the edge of South Molton and the course then takes riders to Morchard Road via the B3226 and A377.

The 60-milers leave Tiverton via Long Drag and pedal across country through Withleigh, Nomansland, where there are refreshments available at the cricket club, Black Dog, Brownstone and Morchard Bishop.

The routes converge at Morchard Road where there’s the chance for a final boost of energy from a wide selection of food and drink before the final stretch to the finish back at Topsham.

The ride avoids the centre of Crediton, taking the lanes around Shobrooke, Efford and Shute, re-joining the A377 near Cowley Bridge and returns through Exeter.

The event starts at 8am and finishes by 6pm. The cyclists are clear of the Exeter area by around 9am and most return between midday and 4pm.