A pair of kind-hearted cyclists from Hull and Hessle have completed a 320-mile challenge, raising £1,500 for two local charities.
Chris Straker, aged 67 and from Hull, and Kevin Rennison, aged 66 and from Hessle, cycled from Edinburgh to Beverley during the hot weather of August. The pair completed their sponsored cycling challenge in support of homelessness charity Emmaus Hull & East Riding and Chasing Rainbows, a local pregnancy and baby loss charity.
Chris said: “We were pleased to raise the money for the charities. We knew the ride would be hard because of all the climbing between Edinburgh and Beverley, during the 320 miles, but we didn’t factor in the heat. Every day it was over 28 degrees (not a normal August) and it made staying hydrated a real problem. But with the help of friendly folk, on the route, in remote places, who would fill up our bottles for us, we made it.”
Chris and Kevin started their charity cycle on Monday 11th August and finished on Friday 15 August. The pair plotted a route from Edinburgh to Beverley, covering 320 miles, with stops including Dunbar, Alnwick, Durham and Whitby.
Emmaus Hull & East Riding provides a home, training, work opportunities and individual support for people who have experienced homelessness. In addition to their residential community in Hull, Emmaus also delivers an outreach service, providing direct support to people who are street homeless.
Stephanie Dixon, Director of Emmaus Hull & East Riding, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Chris and Kevin for completing this gruelling challenge during what was one of the hottest weeks of the year. Their kind support and the money raised will help people at our Hull community, supporting them to build better lives after homelessness.”
Chasing Rainbows is a charity supporting women and their partners going through baby loss, infertility and miscarriage. Based in Hull and East Riding, the charity encourages people to feel less alone during pregnancy and baby loss, providing mental health support through peer support experiences.
If you would like to sponsor and support Chris and Kevin’s fundraiser, donate online at www.givewheel.com/fundraising/7781/sponsored-edinburgh-to-beverley-cycle-ride