Triple Olympic Gold medallist, Sir Chris Hoy is backing the 2009 NSPCC Big Bike Ride which goes to Buckinghamshire on 12 July and to Sussex on 19 July.

Now in its fourth year, the NSPCC Big Bike Ride consists of two organised events that encourages friends and families to get on their bikes and raise money for NSPCC.

There are two BIG organised events this July in Princes Risborough, Buckinghamshire and Horsham, Sussex.

“I’m backing the Big Bike Ride because I wholeheartedly support the NSPCC’s plans to extend both its vital ChildLine service and its Helpline for adults who are concerned about a child,” says Sir Chris Hoy.

“You certainly don’t have to be an Olympic athlete to take part in the Big Bike Ride, and whether you organise your own event or enter one of the many rides being staged around the country, by taking part you’ll be enabling the NSPCC to answer even more calls for help.”

Money raised from all Big Bike Ride events will go towards the NSPCC’s £50 million Child’s Voice Appeal which was launched in September 2008 with the aim of funding the expansion and development of both the ChildLine service and the NSPCC Helpline.

The funds will mean that ChildLine’s volunteers can counsel over 1 million calls every year and enable the charity to introduce online counselling via ChildLine online and a text service over the coming months. Likewise, the appeal will enable the NSPCC to expand its NSPCC Helpline in order to protect babies, toddlers and other vulnerable children who can’t call for themselves. The UK Government has pledged £30m over four years towards the expansion of the helplines, but the NSPCC needs the support of the public to raise a further £50m, through the Child’s Voice Appeal, to make its vision a reality.

Big Bike Ride project manager Hannah Parrott says: “We are delighted that Sir Chris Hoy is supporting the Big Bike Ride. Whilst we’re not expecting everyone to reach Olympic standards, this will be an opportunity for people to choose their own challenge and cycle the distance that suits them – and for every £100 raised, ChildLine could answer another 25 calls from children in need of support and advice.”

To find out about bike rides taking place in your area or to register for your organiser’s pack, go to www.bigbikeride.co.uk or call 0845 130 3073.