Three Cheltenham-based Sterling Networks business networking groups are taking on a physical challenge that aims not only to give a mental and physical health boost to all the participating members at the beginning of the new year, but it will also give a financial boost to charity by raising vital funds for Leonard Cheshire’s Gloucestershire Wheels For All inclusive cycling scheme. With previous fundraising streams drawing to a close for the scheme - it is now in need of urgent support if it is to continue throughout 2021.

The Sterling 2021 Cheltenham Challenge is asking members from the Cheltenham Central, Cheltenham Regency and Cotswold Virtual networking groups to achieve a distance of at least 2021 kilometres recorded between 16^th January and 28^th February, with the ratios being approximately 1000km cycling, 500km walking, 500km running, and 21km made up by ‘other’ actvities (like walking backwards or hopping) so that anyone can join in the challenge! All distances will be recorded centrally and participants will follow government safety and social distancing requirements.

About our cause: Leonard Cheshire is the UK’s leading pan disability charity – and their Gloucestershire Wheels For All scheme runsinclusive, off-road, cycling sessions for disabled and non-disabled people using a variety of bikes including wheelchair transporters, recumbent trikes, companion bikes and hand cycles. The adapted bikes mean anyone aged 5 upwards can take part - whether they have a sensory, physical, learning disability or mental health condition, including dementia. Even throughout lockdown Wheels For all has been able to continue and there are currently over 50 different organisations, families and individuals who come to cycle at Blackbridge Athletics Track in Gloucester. When restrictions relax the scheme should reopen in the Forest of Dean too. The scheme suits anyone who faces a significant barrier to exercise: people recovering from illness or injury, or lacking in confidence with cycling. Using the specially adapted or purposed cycles, the activities provide a whole host of benefits – being both physically and mentally stimulating as well as providing fun, socially interactive opportunities for everyone involved. 

At Sterling Networks we know that having the opportunity to participate in physical activity has notable benefits on our physical and mental health and this has never been more keenly felt than in these times of lockdown. Disabled people are only half as likely as non-disabled people to participate in physical or sporting activity.

We are keen to demonstrate our support for each other and for our charity partner Leonard Cheshire too through our 2021 Challenge and to see the possibility with disability.

Thank you for any support you can give