ORGANISERS of next year’s Redbridge Bikeathon are hoping soaring sponsorship donations will inspire new members to join their ranks.

The Redbridge branch of Leukaemia Research has counted �6,913.46 in sponsorship from June’s event.

The Bikeathon saw a total of 243 youngsters aged under 12 take to their saddles in a bid to cycle as many laps as possible and raise money for the charity.

Fundraisers said they were delighted with the takings, even though the overall total was down due to it being a smaller event.

Poppy Baker said it was much better than sponsorship totals from previous years.

She said: “It’s good because we did a big push for people to send in their sponsorship this year, so that has really worked.”

The group is hoping the success story will inspire more people to get involved with the fundraising extravaganza.

It still faces the challenge of getting more members on board in time for next year’s event. Several dedicated members had to take a step back from organising the fun-packed community event, for the first time ever.

It means there are several crucial gaps to plug within the group.

Temporary chairman Charles Wallace said: “This is a crucial time for us.

“What we want is some young members with plenty of enthusiasm and energy to get on with the organising side of things.

“It’s a very fun and worthwhile day and I’m sure whoever we find will enjoy it.”

The Bikeathon, which is sponsored by the Recorder, takes place every year in Melbourne Field, Valentines Park, Ilford.

Youngsters take to the track while adults browse stalls for bargains, activities and games and there is also lots of fun for younger children and toddlers.

To find out more about organising the bikeathon, call Jill Simister on 020 8989 5067.