The 2009 event is set to be the most exciting 'choose your challenge' cycle event in this summer's calendar.

The BIG BIKE RIDE sees two main events this July in Sussex and Buckinghamshire, where cyclists can choose from three different routes varying in distance and difficulty. It is set to be a great day for all involved, with music, food, drink and plenty of support on offer. Family, friends, and individuals across the UK will also be organising their own cycling events in July to raise funds for the NSPCC.

With the support of Network Rail, the BIG BIKE RIDE promises to be a large boost to the charity's Child's Voice Appeal target to raise £50 million over three years. This appeal will help transform ChildLine and the NSPCC Helpline to answer many more children's cries for help, whether they chose to call, email, text or be in contact online.

Jerry Swift, Head of Corporate Responsibility at Network Rail, says: 'We are proud to be working with such a recognised and well respected charity, which do fantastic work to help children and their families all over the UK. Network Rail will be encouraging its employees to 'get on their bikes' for the 'BIG BIKE RIDE' events this summer. We will be out in force both fundraising and acting as volunteer stewards to help manage these worthwhile events on the day.'

Alice Payne, Head of Corporate Partnerships at the NSPCC, says: 'Network Rail's support is significant to the BIG BIKE RIDE not only to raise funds, but to generate awareness with a new audience. We are excited about how the backing of Network Rail will make this year's events even better for participants and go further to make sure that every call made to our helplines is answered so that no voice goes unheard.'

For more information on the BIG BIKE RIDE, visit www.bigbikeride.co.uk

Where the BIG BIKE RIDE money will go:

£11 could pay for a 15 minute Ask Sam session on There4me.com - an online support service for young people.

£28 could answer three calls to our Child Protection Helpline from anyone worried about the well being of a child or young person.

£70 could cover two months of free phone call costs for a ChildLine counsellor.

£126 could enable three children to receive an in-depth counselling session with one of our ChildLine volunteer counsellors.

Who are The NSPCC?:
The NSPCC's purpose is to end cruelty to children. Their vision is of a society where all children are loved, valued and able to fulfil their potential. We seek to achieve cultural, social and political change - influencing legislation, policy, practice, attitudes and behaviours for the benefit of children and young people. For more information visit www.nspcc.org.uk

Child's Voice Appeal:
The Child's Voice Appeal, which launched on 22 September 2008, aims to raise £50m so that the NSPCC's vital helplines can answer many more cries for help. The funds will mean that ChildLine's volunteers can counsel 500,000 more calls every year; children can choose how they access ChildLine's help - by phone, online or by text; the NSPCC Helpline can grow by over 60% to counsel 18,000 more adults who have concerns about a child; and counsellors can provide personalised help by email to nearly five times as many concerned adults.

The government has pledged £30m over four years towards the expansion of ChildLine and the NSPCC Helpline, 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.

Everyone can support the Child's Voice Appeal at www.childsvoiceappeal.org.uk

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