Cycle to help children

With the summer months upon us there could be no better time to get on your bike to join me in supporting children’s charity Place2Be! The charity is calling on people across the UK to gear up for the London to Brighton Cycle challenge on Sunday 8 September, to raise funds to help transform children’s lives.

Email your letters to rye.battle@jpress.co.uk. Please include your full name and address, and please do not write more than 350 words. — Email your letters to [email protected]. Please include your full name and address, and please do not write more than 350 words.

The challenge will see thousands of cyclists put their pedal power to the test for a 54-mile scenic ride from city to coast. Setting off from Clapham Common, the route passes through Mitcham, Carshalton, Chipstead, Banstead and Haywards Heath, finishing on the sunny Brighton seafront.

So why am I asking you to take part? Because beyond this being a fantastic chance to get fit and enjoy the cycle ride of your life, I know just how crucial the work Place2Be does with children is and the difference that your support will make. While some of us are fortunate enough to recall happy childhoods, this is not the case for all. Childhood can be a difficult, challenging time and I firmly believe that children need to have someone they can talk to, who will listen, when they need it. Place2Be provides just that. Working in schools across the UK, the charity supports children to cope with all sorts of issues including bullying, bereavement, family breakdown, domestic violence, neglect and trauma, helping them to grow up healthy, confident and resilient. You can help them to continue to do this.

Registering couldn’t be easier – call 0207 923 5553 or visit http://www.place2be.org.uk/support-us/fundraise/up-for-a-challenge/bike/london-to-brighton-cycle-ride,-sept-2013/ There is a £35 registration fee and a minimum sponsorship target of £100. But you’re not alone - Place2Be’s fabulous fundraising team will help you with fundraising and training tips and support you along the way!

So please, gear up for this cycle challenge today and help Place2Be to give more children the brighter futures that they deserve.

Happy cycling!

Craig MacLean MBE Olympic and Paralympic medallist