Pedal power will be put to the test when staff and supporters of a Lancaster-based youth charity challenge themselves to a marathon fundraising cycle ride this June.
Guy Christiansen, chief executive of Lancashire Youth Challenge, will be joined by colleague Sam Duckles, young trustee Josh Lightbown, youth worker Ed Maxwell and friend of the charity, Bill Best on the 170 mile Coast2Coast Cycle Challenge.
They set off from Morecambe on June 16 and take the Way of the Roses, finishing at Bridlington on June 19. Along the way, their support vehicle will be driven by Alaric Best, a new LYC trustee.
“We hope to cycle about 43 miles a day and the biggest challenge will be the hills in the first stage through the Trough of Bowland and into the Yorkshire Dales,” Guy said.
But Guy’s no stranger to marathon cycle rides as he’s been doing them nearly every year since 2011 when he worked at The Dukes youth arts centre. The first ride to benefit LYC took place ten years ago from Lancaster to Edinburgh.
“It can be hard work when we’re cycling but I love the meditative quality of it. When I’m taking in the sights, sounds and smells of nature, I can totally switch off.”
The cyclists aim to raise £2,000 which will be donated to LYC’s Time to Breathe programme. It will enable young people supported by LYC to enjoy nature walks, visit farms and plant trees and flowers as part of a series of wellbeing activities.
LYC received a prestigious Queen’s Award in 2021 for its work enabling young people to build confidence and resilience via an exciting year-round programme of personal development and wellbeing programmes, creative arts activities, community impact projects, outdoor expeditions and cultural education events.
Young people attend weekly gym and mental health sessions and this year alone, LYC has run projects at Bay Leadership Academy and Stanleys youth centre, both in Morecambe, and with Ukrainian refugees in Preston.
Children's play area in Lancaster opens after £118k revamp
Illegal tobacco and counterfeit clothing seized during raid on Lancaster city centre shop
Lancaster bowling green fundraiser hits target
Six food businesses in Lancaster district fail allergen tests
LISTEN: Stars of Morecambe and Wise stage show can't wait for Eric's 100th birthday
LISTEN: Thousands enjoy Wray Fair finale to annual scarecrow festival
PHOTOS and VIDEO: Incredible sand art on Morecambe beach honours Sir David Attenborough
Row over Morecambe FC debt as ex-directors' firm issues winding-up petition against club
Morecambe Pride handed £3,500 grant boost
North West awards delight for talented stars of Lancaster musicals
Music festival set for Lancaster over Bank Holiday postponed due to ‘ongoing planning’
Lancashire Police Museum in Lancaster celebrates fourth anniversary
Police investigate alleged sexual exploitation at Lancaster flat
Beyond the Beat: Two arrests after assault in Lancaster city centre
Morecambe MP "appalled" as Lancashire set to quit refugee resettlement scheme
Replica RAF helicopter to go on display in Lancaster at three-day show
Life-size knitted mannequin pops up ahead of Eric Morecambe's 100th birthday
Stars play in celebrity football match in Morecambe in memory of brave teenager
Roses are red! Lancaster University students celebrate fifth straight victory
70 homes in Carnforth evacuated after bomb scare
