I’m Dr. Sara Young, Director of Changing Minds with Pick Up a Penny, and I’m honoured to be part of an incredible team effort to raise vital funds to support the mental health and well-being of children and families in the North East.

To mark GAP Group NE Ltd’s 20th anniversary and the exciting launch of GAP Alba, a group of more than 30 passionate professionals are taking on a bold and meaningful challenge: a 4-day, 200-mile cycling journey from Gateshead to Binn Farm, Perth.

And yes, we’ll be towing a fridge the entire way. Not just any fridge, but the very first fridge to be commissioned at the new GAP Alba plant. This is the #TourDeFridge, a celebration of growth, community, and giving back.

Thank Goodness I'm Not Riding Alone 😊 This is a Team Effort

Each of the four legs of the cycle will feature 15 riders, making this a true collective commitment to change. I may be one of the cyclists taking part, but I’m not doing this alone, and I want to take a moment to thank the incredible individuals and organisations supporting this initiative.

Without their time, energy and generosity, this life-changing project simply wouldn't be possible.

Meet the Amazing #TourDeFridge Team:

From GAP Group NE Ltd and GAP Group Ltd: Peter Moody (CEO), Nathan Lowrey, Andy Clark, Ryan Frazer, Peter Young, Paul Charters, Jack Simpson, Annabelle Warren, Karolina Sawczuk, Garry Harbottle, Nigel Tomlinson, Stephen Lineton, Alexandra Williams, Chris Trotter.

From Valpak: Paul McCraig, Daniel Stokes, James Armitage, Jonathan Williams.

From DEFRA: Graeme Vickery.

From ECOGenesys: Tracey Rees Clough, Katia Chadwick, Andy Keller, Graeme Milne, Daniel Hallworth, Ulrich.

Other Key Supporters: Jason Oakes (0800 Repair/Oakes Energy), Duncan Noble (Lithium Salvage), Dr Wendy Fail (Northumberland County Council), Dr William Lynch (Northumberland County Council), A J Marsh (Recycling Lives), Eilis Stephenson, Brian Harkins & Irvine Morrison (Binn Group), and Ian Pearson.

Together, we are riding with purpose – not just to raise funds, but to shine a light on the urgent need for accessible, integrative, and innovative mental health care and physical well-being for young people.

Dr Young leads a team who are highly skilled in pioneering therapies to support people’s mental and physiological health.

Working with people of all ages, Changing Minds with Pick up a Penny has a special interest in children and young people’s health to support long term recovery. Using an integrative approach enables people to enjoy improved physiological and psychological health and emotional well-being; lead happier and more fulfilling lives; and reach their potential.

Changing Minds with Pick up a Penny has a fundraising arm called Pick Up a Penny, which is based on the premise that every penny counts and can make a difference. Our vision is to fundraise to establish a network of UK centres offering innovative and timely therapy, with the first centre planned for the North East.

How Your Donations Help

The money raised from the #TourDeFridge, will go directly towards supporting five families in the North East of England, with a child who is struggling with their mental health and physical well-being. These children and their families will receive access to pioneering, person-centred, integrative therapies delivered by Dr Sara Young and her experienced team at Changing Minds. With a strong focus on children and young people, the support will be tailored to meet each family’s unique needs, helping the child and their wider family experience improved mental health, emotional resilience, and physiological well-being.

This vital funding will cover the cost of bespoke therapy packages, including comprehensive health assessments and, where appropriate, therapies such as Psychotherapy, EMDR, biofeedback, neurofeedback, biochemical evaluations, Buteyko breathing, and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy. Each family will also receive ongoing support, ensuring that financial hardship is never a barrier to accessing care.

Through our fundraising arm, Pick Up a Penny, we believe every contribution, no matter how small, can make a meaningful difference. By taking on this incredible challenge, our team and supporters are not only raising essential funds, but also helping to shine a light on the urgent need for accessible, innovative mental health support. Together, we’re moving closer to our vision of building a UK-wide network of therapeutic centres, starting right here in the North East.

🚴‍♂️ How You Can Help:

✅ Donate – Every contribution helps us support children, young people and adults struggling with their mental health and well-being.

✅ Spread the word – Share this post and help us reach more people who care about making a difference.

✅ Get involved – Whether you ride, sponsor, or cheer us on, your support will mean the world.

This is more than just a cycling event, it’s a celebration of resilience, achievement, and community spirit. Your donation will directly support our work, helping children, young people, and adults access essential mental health and well-being support.

Let’s make this an event to remember while giving back to those who need it most.

#TourDeFridge #ChangingMindsWithPickUpAPenny #MentalHealthMatters #GAPAlba #CommunitySupport #FridgeOnABike