As Action Medical Research gears up for a landmark moment with the RIDE Suffolk Sunrise returning on 17 May, celebrating an incredible 20 years as one of the charity’s most iconic cycling events, they are remembering one of the ride’s founding supporters – Val Remington Hobbs (1956-2025). As riders across the region prepare to take on the scenic Suffolk routes, the charity is shining a spotlight on Val who supported the charity over 30 years and who helped shape the event’s success from the very beginning.
Val, a dedicated and long‑standing supporter of Action, played a pivotal role in the growth and spirit of the RIDE Suffolk Sunrise. Her commitment over the years has helped transform the ride into a much‑loved annual challenge that brings together cyclists, volunteers and communities with one shared purpose – funding vital medical research for sick and vulnerable children.
As well as helping to develop and support the RIDE Suffolk Sunrise, Val was also the Chair of the Action Medical Research Stowmarket volunteer fundraising committee and also Regional Chair for the East of England. She also served as a trustee of the charity for 15 years between 2004 and 2019. Over her 30 years supporting the charity she helped to raise an incredible £1 million, helping to transform the lives of sick babies and children.
With the help of another committee member, Helen Thomson, Val and the volunteer group organised a range of fundraising events for the charity, including wine tastings, Bridge tournaments, food fairs, concerts, brunches, golf days, and themed lunches. Val and Helen also completed treks in China and Peru to support the cause.
As the charity looks ahead to the 20th anniversary RIDE Suffolk Sunrise start line, it is extending heartfelt thanks to Val for her unwavering support and the enthusiasm she brought to the charity over 30 years and to the event, set up 20 years ago.
The 20‑year milestone promises to be a special celebration, with cyclists of all abilities invited to take part and raise vital funds for children’s medical research. The charity is encouraging cyclists to be part of the celebrations in 2026 and help make this the biggest and best year yet.
This event is part of the charity’s popular RIDE Series of one-day bike rides that take place in fantastic locations across the UK. Entry is just £43.50 for the Cool route or £48.50 for the Classic, and £53.50 for the Champion route which includes chip timing, aid stations, marshals, mechanics, medals and more.
Key information:
- Date: Sunday 17 May 2026
- Location: Framlingham
- Cool 42 Miles: £43.50
- Classic 65 Miles: £48.50
- Champion 102 Miles: £53.50
*Booking fees apply (see FAQs for details)
For more information and to register, please visit: https://action.org.uk/events/cycling/suffolk-ride
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NOTES TO EDITORS:
To download a photo of cyclists on an Action event:
https://action.org.uk/sites/default/files/2024-02/Cyclists_cross_start_line_on_Action_bike_ride.jpg
https://action.org.uk/sites/default/files/2024-02/Cyclists_on_Action_bike_ride.jpg
https://action.org.uk/sites/default/files/2024-02/Cyclists_cross_finish_line_on_Action_bike_ride.jpg
For more information about RIDE Suffolk Sunrise, please contact Emma Pulsford, Cycling Events Management Executive, Action Medical Research, on:
T 01403 912077
For more information on Action Medical Research, please contact Grace Wardley, Communications & Engagement Officer, on:
T 01403 327412
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Action Medical Research is a leading UK-wide charity saving and changing children’s lives through medical research. For more than 70 years we’ve helped pioneer ways to prevent disease and develop treatments benefiting millions of people. Our research has helped to beat polio in the UK, develop ultrasound in pregnancy, fight meningitis and prevent stillbirths. But we urgently need to develop more new treatments and cures for sick babies and children and we can’t do it without you.
Join our fight for little lives today.
Charity reg. nos 208701 and SC039284.