About
The Helen Rollason cancer charity was founded in 1999 and is the legacy of the BBC broadcaster and fundraiser Helen Rollason.
Helen fought an inspirational battle with cancer much of it in the public eye but died in 1999 aged 43. During her treatment she became aware of the need for more support to be available for those living with the illness. “Good quality of life while coping with cancer is the most important gift a sick person can receive; it should be available for everyone” And so, this vision led to the foundation of our Support Centres in her name.
Our centres offer a free range of FREE support and therapies to help people living with cancer.
We support men and women with all types of cancer at all stages whether newly diagnosed or longer term , throughout treatment and after treatment is completed.
Our support centres in Chelmsford, Southend, Bishop’s Stortford and North Middlessex hospital, London provide a friendly and relaxing environment where cancer patients can go with their families, friends and carers. Clients can talk through and problems and issues and enjoy therapies that work together with their medical treatment and reduce stress.
We also offer a range of extra beneficial activities including including Pilates, Art and Craft Groups, Look Good Feel Better Workshops and Support Groups.
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SubscribeA Ride With Purpose: Graeme’s Story of Resilience and Recovery
A Decade of Ride For Helen – and a Personal Milestone
Graeme’s story
In 2024 Graeme joined Helen Rollason Cancer Charity’s cycle ride – the popular ‘Ride For Helen’ which was in its 10th year. At the age of 50, Graeme cycled 50 miles in 3 hours and 41 minutes and raised over £2,800 for the charity. Each year hundreds of cyclists join Ride For Helen and pedal through the Essex countryside raising money for the charity.
However, for Graeme it was a challenge in 2024. He had throat cancer and, just a few days after the cycle event, he underwent surgery. He continues to support Helen Rollason Cancer Charity and in 2025 he pushed himself further and cycled the 65 miles route. Graeme is still undergoing monitoring for cancer but he is determined to keep cycling and maintain his health.
Why I Ride – In Graeme’s Words
Graeme told us:
“I have taken part in the Ride For Helen events for a number of years – sometimes with family and at other times on my own. These events give me a goal to train for. I need a reason to get out and cycle, which in turn improves my physical and mental health.
When I started out, I would choose the lower mileage cycle routes and I worked up to being comfortable with 30 miles. This was enough to be challenging without causing too much recovery post-event.
For 2024 I wanted to push myself out of my comfort zone and tackle the 50 miles event. I also turned 50 that year – on the same day as Ride For Helen – so there was no question really. I also received my second cancer diagnosis at the start of 2024 and had surgery two days after the cycle event. Doing the event in 2024 was really important to me and certainly helped with my mental preparedness too.
The Link Between Physical and Mental Health
I firmly believe that, in the same way you may choose to exercise to improve your physical well-being, you also need to work hard to maintain a healthy mental well-being. Having one without the other can only provide half of the benefit. Helen Rollason is, in my view, there to offer the support and provide the ‘mental scaffolding’ for people when they need it most. In the same way that health care services look to treat the cancer, the services provided by Helen Rollason treat and support mental health aspects such as reducing anxiety through reassurance and providing a safe environment to focus on “you”.
A Calm Space to Heal and Reflect
The need for the services provided by Helen Rollason is increasing with more people being diagnosed with cancer and at younger ages. The more people are aware of what Helen Rollason Cancer Charity has to offer, the greater the benefits their services can provide.
Walking into the centre in Hatfield Peverel feels like leaving the busy day-to-day at the door – it is a calm and peaceful environment. I was surprised at the number of privacy-respecting treatment rooms that are available, all maintained to a high standard. As well as specific treatment spaces there is a lovely outdoor garden and seating area for more informal chats. Having a facility like this is a real asset.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Graeme?
I plan to continue to support Helen Rollason in the future by continuing with the Ride For Helen annual cycle events. I was very lucky in 2024 in having so many generous supporters who donated such an amazing amount to help with the costs of such a worthwhile and well needed local facility.
“I may not wait until I am 100 to take on the challenge of the 100 miles route though!”
Ride for Helen 2026
Inspired by Graeme’s story? Join hundreds of cyclists and take part in the next Ride For Helen – whether it’s 6 miles or 100, every pedal stroke helps support people living with cancer.
Support Us
Support Helen Rollason Cancer Charity and help us continue providing vital care and support. Every donation makes a difference.
Ride for Helen 2025 – A Glorious Day of Cycling and Community Spirit
Celebrating Over a Decade of Ride for Helen
Our Ride For Helen cycle event is now over 12 years old and has raised an incredible amount of money to help support adults living with cancer by providing complementary therapies, support groups, and a welcoming environment.
A Sunny Success in May 2025
Our 2025 event took place on 11th May on a beautiful sunny day. Almost 700 riders cycled one of six scenic routes through the stunning Essex and Hertfordshire countryside, raising over £21,000.
We were thrilled to welcome back hundreds of cyclists who had taken part in previous years – a testament to their dedication and enjoyment of the event.
As well as paying their entrance fee, some of the riders raised further funds by creating JustGiving pages to encourage sponsorship from friends and family. These generous riders raised over £7,500 collectively from their sponsorship.
We are so grateful to all our riders for the contributions they have made.
An Incredible Venue – The Crix
We would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to Ian and Alison Twinley for donating the grounds of their home for use as the hub for the event. The Crix is an incredible venue from which to start and end our routes.
Its location, so close to our Mid Essex support centre in Hatfield Peverel, made it an ideal choice. The atmosphere on the day was buzzing, with Chelmsford Community Radio providing music and entertainment, and The Rock Choir delighting everyone with their uplifting performance.
Essential Support Along the Routes
Establishments along the routes played a vital role by hosting our water stops and keeping our riders refreshed. Our thanks go to:
- The Swan Inn, Felsted
- The Cricketers Arms, Rickling Green
- The Vine, Great Bardfield
- The Western Arms, Silver End
- St Mary’s Church Hall, Bocking
Roadside Support from Rover Rescue
We were also supported by the Essex Land Rover Club’s 4×4 Response Team ‘Rover Rescue’, who were based both at The Crix and out on the routes. They were ready to help with any bike issues or recoveries, helping ensure the day ran smoothly for all.
Generous Donations from Local Businesses
Thanks to the generosity of the following businesses, we were able to offer free snacks and drinks to our riders, meaning more of the event’s proceeds go directly towards helping our clients:
- Fairfield Crisps
- Wenzel’s Chelmsford
- Braxted Bakery
- Tiptree Patisserie
- Cook Chelmsford
- Tesco Maldon
- Co-op Boreham & Hatfield Peverel
- ASDA Chelmsford
- Morrisons Witham
- Greggs
- Upson’s Farm
- Rosan Reeves Auctions
- Our lovely volunteer Gilly
Special Prize Draw for Fundraisers
We were lucky to be presented with a micro-scooter to give away in a prize draw. All riders who raised over £100 in sponsorship were entered into the draw, which was won by one lucky participant at the end of the day.
Thank You to Our Volunteers
Volunteers are the backbone of this event – over 50 incredible people gave their time to ensure everything ran smoothly. From putting up signs and marshalling, to handing out refreshments and managing the car park, your efforts were invaluable. Thank you!
Kind Words from Our Riders
“Ride for Helen is a wonderful occasion for the whole family. Exceptional organisation and volunteers on the day. It is an event suitable for the youngest children to the serious cyclists – there is something for anyone who can push the pedals. A friendly and fun way to raise money for a very worthy cause.”
“Great day. Great route. Great cause. Great job!
“The 50 mile route took me through some beautiful Essex countryside but with a few more hills than i was expecting it also felt like a real challenge and achievement!“
“Awesome routes well marshalled and organised we had a great day in the Essex sunshine!“
“Its now firmly an annual calendar event. Having only missed the first ever event I’ve been joined by various friends and family over the years, and we’re always lucky with the weather!“
“Well organised, fantastic day out. The sun was shining, the 65 mile route was absolutely stunning, certainly one of the best I have had the privilege of riding. Thank you for organising and a huge shout out to the fabulous Marshalls out on the route.“
“Very glad I was able to attend and ride the 15ml route to remember my friend Ed Knight.“
“10 out of 10 fantastic day“
“Don’t think about entering…. just do it.“
Looking Ahead
Ride for Helen continues to grow thanks to our riders, supporters, volunteers, and sponsors. We’re already looking forward to Ride for Helen Sunday 10th May 2026 – SAVE THE DATE – and we hope to see you there!
You might also be interested in …
If you enjoyed Ride for Helen 2025 or are looking to support Helen Rollason Cancer Charity in other ways, we have a calendar full of exciting events for the rest of the year!
Other Events Coming Up in 2025
- Vintage Events – Discover classic cars, vintage games, live music, unique stalls and delicious food at our much-loved events, with all proceeds supporting our services.
- Christmas Gift and Food Market – A fantastic opportunity to shop local and handmade, all while raising money for people living with cancer.
- Father Christmas Experience – Get into the festive spirit with this magical day out for the whole family.
Visit our Events page for dates, venues and ticket information.
Feeling Adventurous? Join a Sporting Challenge
If you’re up for a challenge, why not take on one of our sporting fundraising events?
- Running Challenges – Regents & Hyde Park, Alton Towers, London Landmarks or Hackney Half.
- Tough Mudder
- Bungee Jump
- Skydive for Helen
- Overseas challenges
Sign up for sporting challenge: HRCC Challenges
Fundraise Your Own Way
You don’t have to take on a big challenge to make a difference. Whether you’re fundraising at home, in your community, or at work, every penny raised helps us provide services for people living with cancer. Here are some popular and easy ways to get started:
- Tea for Helen – Host a tea party with friends, colleagues or neighbours.
- Plant Sale – Sell your homegrown plants, herbs, or flowers.
- Charity Fun Day – Organise a community BBQ, games day, or mini fair.
- Sponsored Silence – Great for schools or workplaces!
- Dress Down Day – Invite colleagues to wear casual clothes for a donation.
- Bake Sale – Always a winner at schools, clubs and offices.
- Car Boot or Jumble Sale – Declutter and donate the proceeds.
- Craft Workshop or Art Auction – Showcase local talent while raising money.
- Quiz Night – A fun way to bring people together and raise funds.
Ready to plan your own fundraiser? Get in touch with our fundraising team fundraising@helenrollason.org.uk – we’ll support you every step of the way!
In Memory of Ed Knight: Honouring a Cycling Enthusiast and Beloved Supporter
Following our earlier acknowledgment, we would now like to share that Helen Rollason Cancer Charity sadly lost one of our greatest supporters at the Ride for Helen cycling event this month, Ed Knight. Ed had supported Helen Rollason Cancer Charity since 2017 helping us to be there for those living with cancer and their loved ones.
Andrew Watson, his “partner in crime”, shares Ed’s story.
Ed Knight, an enthusiastic, and knowledgeable vintage bicycle rider, with an infectious grin, and boundless energy brought a whole new dimension to the Ride for Helen event. In 2017 he turned up with his “ordinary bicycle” more commonly known today as a “Penny Farthing”.
The bemused faces of the onlookers turned to incredulity as three more riders crossed the start line on their machines with front wheels measuring anything from 48 to 54 inches high.
The following year Ed arrived with an eclectic mix of men, women, and children all riding penny farthings. They completed the 15-mile route arriving back at The Crix to sign out, only to shoot off around the house to do the six-mile route just so that they could stop at Paper Mill Lock for a spot of lunch!
Every year since then, Ed Knight has turned up in the company of fellow vintage bicycle enthusiasts on an array of beguiling machines. The firm crowd favourite, however, remained the towering Penny Farthings. Anyone who showed an interest could suddenly find themselves clambering up to the saddle under the patient guidance of Ed, whilst trying not to look terrified as they posed for a photo with their head 9 feet off the ground. The more daring would then find themselves being given their very first lesson in riding a Penny Farthing as Ed encouraged a quick go behind the start line.
Ed had a deep knowledge and understanding of the development of the bicycle, and would soon be involved in an engaging explanation with those who wanted to know more.
Over the years, Ed had ridden his bikes throughout the UK and Europe including a Penny Farthing ride from Paris to London. Everyone who met him soon became firm friends and a short acquaintance would feel like a friendship of years, he just seemed to find time for everyone.
A true gentleman of the cycling world, he was intrigued by the often-ingenious creations of the early bicycle pioneers and if he couldn’t find an existing example, as a gifted engineer he would make his own.
When ride for Helen Suffolk was created, Ed took his Victorian bicycle collection to display at the start line. He set off on several occasions on various machines never getting more than a few hundred yards, much to the amusement of the other riders.
Once again, this year Ed set off from The Crix on his Penny Farthing, smiling and waving as he rolled down the drive towards the exit. He had a great ride with his companions, heading off the beaten track for tea and cake, before finally re-joining the route to head back towards Hatfield Peverel.
Suddenly, without warning, he collapsed and despite immediate help from his friends, passers-by and the quick response of the emergency services, Ed passed away at the scene doing the thing he loved….cycling.
We at Helen Rollason Cancer Charity will miss such a gregarious and knowledgeable gentleman. Ed was, and will remain, part of the Helen Rollason Cancer Charity family. In his honour the 15mile route will now and forever more be known as Ed’s Route; granting all cyclists the opportunity to ride, eat cake and smile in his memory.
Edwin leaves behind his wife Mary, his daughter Claire, son in law Tony and two grandchildren, Ayrton and Ila.
If you feel you would like to donate to the Helen Rollason Cancer Charity in Ed’s memory, or leave a message of condolences, please do so below. We will share all your kind words with his family.