A team from a Lancaster-based youth charity will cycle the length of Britain this summer in memory of a special teenager.
Youth workers from Lancashire Youth Challenge (LYC) will undertake the iconic Land's End to John O'Groats challenge, cycling more than 1,000 miles over two weeks to celebrate the life of Ryan, a former LYC participant who died last year, aged 14.
Ryan had embraced many opportunities offered by LYC, taking part in Rise to the Challenge expeditions and developing a passion for adventure, personal growth, and pushing beyond perceived limits.
This August, Ed Maxwell, Guy Christiansen and Sam Duckles will complete the cycling challenge, transforming Ryan's ambition into a lasting tribute while raising funds to help future generations of young people access the same life-changing opportunities that meant so much to him.
Ed knew Ryan throughout his life and became a trusted mentor and surrogate uncle figure during his childhood and teenage years.
For Ed, the ride represents a deeply personal opportunity to celebrate Ryan's life, honour his memory, and ensure that the values he embodied continue to inspire and empower other young people.
“‘The idea for this challenge came from Ryan himself,” said Ed.
“He was staying with me while his youngest sister was being born, and we were chatting about all the adventures myself and some of his family had enjoyed during their time with LYC.”
Ryan had told Ed how he wanted to take on his own challenge some day and asked if they could ride the length of the country when he was older.
“Sadly this is no longer going to be possible for Ryan, so we are going to do it for him, to keep his memory alive, to do something he’d be proud of and to raise vital funds to enable LYC to continue to change the lives of so many young people in the future.”
LYC is an award-winning Lancaster-based charity supporting young people to overcome adversity, build resilience and discover their potential through active movement, outdoor adventure, creative practice and nature-based learning.
Funds raised through the challenge will directly support a multi-day youth expedition this summer enabling local young people to experience the same sense of achievement, belonging and personal growth that Ryan discovered through LYC programmes.
The fundraising campaign has already received a significant boost by a donation from Therapeutic Care in Blackpool where Ed and Sam work and which has supported Ed during difficult times following Ryan’s death.
The contribution reflects Therapeutic Care commitment to supporting young people to thrive and has made a real difference to the appeal’s success.
Anyone wishing to follow the journey, donate, or learn more about LYC can visit https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/lejog4ryan or follow Lancashire Youth Challenge on social media - www.facebook.com/LancashireYouthChallenge
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