YMCA managers take on 203 mile cycle challenge

The pair took part in the Coast to Coast challenge from St Bees on the Cumbrian Coast to Robin Hood’s Bay on Yorkshire’s East Coast.

They completed it in a staggering three days, with a total of 22,000 feet of climbing – the challenge is usually done over five days.

This event was organised by YMCA East Surrey with a number of other South East YMCAs joining in to make it a success.

The route took the cyclists through some of the most beautiful scenery in the country, across the Lakeland Fells, over the Pennine Uplands, Yorkshire Dales and the Cleveland Hills and finally across the North Yorkshire Moors to reach the east coast.

It really was an extreme challenge, with all participants raising funds for their own YMCA projects.

Chas Walker raised funds for YMCA WiSE – a YMCA DLG project working with children and young people at risk of or subject to sexual exploitation.

Meanwhile Pete Colmer was raising money for use in YMCA DLG supported housing projects located across Surrey and Sussex. Together they have raised well in excess of £1,500 but would love to see that figure go higher.

Pete said: “It was a brilliant event and I’ve just about recovered. The cyclists and support team were a great bunch, encouraging each other over the large hills and dales. Thanks to all the generous sponsors who will be helping the young people we engage with.”

Chas added: “Thank you to YMCA East Surrey for their thorough planning and logistics which meant we were able to focus on the ride itself – well, ride, hike, climb and scramble.

“It was hard work but well worth it and many thanks to all those that have donated to support us in our work.”

YMCA DownsLink Group provides a range of services to children, young people and families with a particular focus on the needs of young people who find themselves on the fringes of society and need support. The charity’s work covers a range of areas including accommodation, sexual exploitation, mental health, housing advice, young offenders, youth clubs, counselling, mentoring, alternative education and apprenticeships. Each year the charity supports over 12,000 people operating from six centres in Sussex and Surrey, including at the Y-Centre in Albion Way, Horsham. To find out more, visit www.ymcadlg.org

Anyone wishing to support this work can do so by sponsoring Chas or Pete at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Chas-Walker3 or http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/petercolmer