In June 2024 I will be taking on my biggest ever fundraising challenge, cycling the 275km Way of the Roses route, from Morcambe Bay to Bridlington, over three days. I will be raising money on behalf of HA&W for the Loughborough Food Bank.

The route includes over 2,250 metres of climbing, including through the south tip of the Lake District, the Yorkshire Dales, passing through York, Ripon and then onwards to to the East coast.

You can see the route here: https://www.komoot.com/tour/1559797123

This will be a self-supported challenge, organised by myself and two friends, with everything we need for the trip taken on our bikes.

The Loughborough Food Bank is a local charity that supports vulnerable people and families in our area. The charity has given out almost 200 tonnes of food since it was founded in January 2019.

It’s devastating to see the number of UK children who are going hungry. More than half of food bank users are families with children and the numbers are growing. These are real people with real lives facing real hardship. Every donation makes a huge difference to struggling people in our community.

And it’s not just food.

They already have a debt counselling service but since our 2021 fundraiser, the charity has added a mental health worker and a family support worker.

Hunger and financial worries often lead to anxiety and stress and more than 50% of food bank clients have some form of mental health issue. Last year they also started a job club to try and help their clients help themselves.

While the charity has a wonderful team of volunteers, what they do need is funds. That is where your support matters most.

The charity is helping local people to avoid hunger, get the counselling they need, and clear debt.

The money we raise will help to further extend the services this amazing charity offers, helping them work toward their long-term aim to help clients solve the underlying issues of poverty.