THE Globe-backed Wirral Bikeathon in aid of Leukaemia research takes place tomorrow.

The event, now in its 20th year, takes place in Arrowe Country Park in Upton starting at 9.30am.

Cyclists can follow a 15 or 28-mile route, combining public highways and off-road along the scenic Wirral Way.

It is ideal for both advanced cyclists and beginners, participants can elect to ride either one or both sections.

On the day there will be live musical entertainment.

More than 1,000 people took part in the event last year, raising £45,000 for research into blood cancer.

You can sign up to take part on the day

Olympic gold medal-winning cyclist, BBC commentator and author Chris Boardman is patron of the Bikeathon.

Urging our readers to join the hundreds already registered, he said: "I love supporting the Wirral Bikeathon which does fantastic work in raising funds for Bloodwise at the same time as providing the opportunity for a fun and healthy day of cycling for families, groups and individual riders.

"Do sign up, gather sponsors and come along to help us reach that all important £1 million target."

Chris has once again donated one of his bikes for the rider prize draw which all riders enter automatically.

Total Fitness have also donated a one month family membership for the prize draw again this year.

Race organiser John Osman said: "This is a fun-filled family event, a ride not a race, with all kinds of cycles taking part.

"We have seen reclining bikes, hand bikes, unicycles, a wheelchair and range of tandems and trailer bikes.

"Families often do the Bikeathon together.

"One rider told us that he will be doing the Bikeathon again in 2018 in memory of his brother David who was diagnosed with leukaemia in August 2000 just four months after completing the London Marathon.

"He fought the disease for two years, having a bone marrow transplant, but lost his fight in August 2002 aged 37.

"Bloodwise raises money to help with research and support for all sorts of other blood diseases too.

"One of our riders has been living with a condition called essential thrombocythemia for 10 years which means she is more likely to suffer from blood clots.

"More than ever this year we are relying on your support to help us reach our target of £1 million for the charity Bloodwise.

"Since we started the event in 1999 you have helped us raise the magnificent sum of £920,000.

"Come along and join us."