YMCA East Surrey cycle to Paris raises £20,000 for youth housing project

Two groups of YMCA cyclists have raised nearly £20,000 in support of a new youth housing project in Salfords by cycling from the charity’s Earlswood headquarters to the heart of Paris.

One group of 16 local fundraisers cycled to the Trocadéro in Paris in just 24 hours while a second group of 11 did this in three days.

Kate Holah from Redhill was a cycling novice before biking the 175 miles (282 km) in a journey that included much wind, rain, extreme pedal pushing and a rough ferry crossing from Newhaven to Dieppe. The interim YMCA Challenge Fundraising Manager said, “I was on the receiving end of positive peer pressure as I didn’t want to let people down. There were some points of low confidence but I was motivated by other team members providing reassurance.

“Our volunteer support team looked after everyone’s luggage and provided everything from fresh baguettes and coffee to numerous puncture repairs. We had several ride leaders in each group too who knew the route inside out. 

“The best things were finishing at the end, cycling in the French countryside, the camaraderie and support from others, especially YMCA East Surrey CEO Ian Burks who provided outstanding motivational support to us all. Crucially, I knew that this was all being done for such a great cause.”

The ride leaders were for the three-day challenge ( Gareth Luker, Roy Franklin and Stuart Kingsley and for the 24-hour cycle Simon Ellis, Mike Connick, Jacquie Phillips and Steve Longhurst.

Angie Parkinson, Cleo Smith, Kate Holah on arrival in Paris.

Ian Burks, CEO of YMCA East Surrey said, “Our fantastic teams cycled over 4,700 miles between them, raising significant sums for the charity’s new housing scheme in Salfords. All funds raised will go towards our Life Change fund, to help fit out the new property, assisting young people who would otherwise be facing homelessness.

“As a participant, I know the significance of our cheerful volunteer support crew – David Cullern, Sue Carnell, Sandra and Martin Keel. I must also thank the determined cyclists and their sponsors for supporting such an important local initiative that will improve life outcomes for young people.”