Cycling '˜around the world' for Brighton Housing Trust

On Sunday, June 25, Brighton Housing Trust is to host a fundraising challenge at Preston Park Velodrome. In just 12 hours cyclists will take to their bikes to collectively cycle 66,792 laps of the historic track - equivalent to the distance around the world.

It is hoped that this unique event will raise £25,000, to enable First Base Day Centre to continue to help people to move away from the streets.

The charity said every penny raised will go towards providing food, health services, showers and laundry facilities, and person-centred advice to help find accommodation and employment.

Simon Hughes, manager of First Base, said: “Every single person who takes part in the Around the World Cycle challenge will be helping us to make a real difference to the lives of people who need our services. It was with the support of the community that last year we were able to help 306 people to move off the streets.”

With various cycling slots for children, adults, hand cyclists and adapted bicycles, and club cyclists, the family-friendly challenge is open to the whole community. There is even the option to take part on an exercise bike at home or at the gym.

The very first lap to count towards the challenge was clocked by Pete West, the Mayor of Brighton and Hove, and his driver, Robert Robinson, who launched the Around the World Cycle challenge with a lap on their tandem.

Jo Berry, head of Fundraising and Publicity at BHT, said: “It will take a real group-effort to reach the target, so we are calling on the community to come along and get pedalling. You could set yourself, your family or your work colleagues a personal challenge, as every lap counts. Not only will it be a fantastically enjoyable day, you will also be supporting a really important local cause.”

To register for Around the World Cycle 2017, visit: www.bht.org.uk

Alternatively, donations can be made through Brighton Housing Trust’s JustGiving page, here.