STAFF from the Wellington Medical Centre were joined by staff from the Carly Press to launch this year’s Rotary 50/50 cycle ride.

The event, organised by the Rotary Club of Taunton, has helped raise more than £18,000 for charities in Somerset and beyond over the past 20 years.

This year’s event will be helping to raise money for the Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW) and a charity of your choice.

Riders from the Wellington Medical Centre – the current holder of the President’s Cup – were joined by sponsors Carly Press and Rotarians led by vice- president Roger Priest to launch the event, which will take place on Sunday, May 15.

The medical centre will again have a strong team for the ride and are happy to challenge other firms, large or small, to tilt for their title.

This year you can take part on a 10 or 24-mile scenic, family- friendly cycle route.

Spokesman for the event, Bob Greenwood, said: “For the non- cyclists, there is a gentle four- mile walk suitable for families and dogs and, in conjunction with Richard Huish College, a 43- mile Sportive Time Trial for the serious cyclists.

All starts and finishes at the Genesis Centre at Somerset College.

For more information about the event, contact Jacky Ford on 01823 277057 or ford-jacky@ sky.com. Alternatively, you can contact Bob Greenwood on 01823 270609 or rhgandjjg16@ btinternet.com. You can also visit www.taunton-rotary.com.