This week an Edinburgh man will attempt to cycle 100 miles from Carlisle to Cramond overnight using a Just Eat Bike.
Henry Whaley (43), a chartered accountant, is planning to use the Edinburgh hire bike to cycle the 100-mile Ride to the Sun route and raise money for homelessness charity Fresh Start – a difficult feat on a bike with three gears, designed for city streets!
The Edinburgh-based homelessness charity has supported riders of the event for a number of years, providing hot breakfasts and a warm welcome as they crossed the finish line at Cramond, usually at around 4.30am, in time for sunrise.
Henry Whaley, who has only cycled for one mile on the hire bike so far, said: “Having cycled the route in the past and been welcomed back home by the staff and volunteers at Fresh Start, I wanted to give something back.
“I decided to raise money for them but was left scratching my head about how I could make what is usually an enjoyable event, a little harder. That’s where the idea of the Just Eat bike came in.
“They’re not really designed for long distances, so I can imagine that after 20 miles or so, the effects of riding what is essentially a city bike through the Borders countryside will be quite a challenge.
“My family and friends think I’m nuts, and I’m sure I’ll think that at some point during the ride too. It’ll be worth it though if I can raise enough money to help at least one person who is facing homelessness in our capital.
“I’m looking forward to crossing the finishing line in Cramond – and getting the traditional morning roll from the Fresh Start team!”
Just Eat have agreed to loan Henry one of the bikes for the challenge.
Latest statistics show that 3,119 households made homeless applications in Edinburgh in 2017/18.
Henry regularly commutes and is a keen cyclist. He will be joined on the Ride to the Sun by his friend Robin Simmons who will accompany him on his folding Brompton bike.
Biddy Kelly, managing director of Fresh Start, said: “We see the devastating impact of homelessness each and every day at Fresh Start. We know that it can be an isolating time, as people struggle with not only losing their home, their possessions and sometimes their support networks, but also the stigma of homelessness.
“Our mission is to help people to make a home for themselves during and after homelessness, helping them to settle into a new home and back into their local communities across Edinburgh.
“The money raised by Henry will go a long way to helping us to continue this vital support and we can’t thank him enough for choosing Fresh Start.
“We wish him a lot of luck and we will be waiting at the finish line to welcome him home.”
Fresh Start is based on Ferry Road Drive and the charity helps people who have been homeless get established in their new home. Working in partnership with volunteers and supporters, the charity delivers a wide range of services that provide the practical and social support that help people resettle successfully. These include Starter Packs containing homeware essentials such as bedding, kitchenware and appliances.
The organisation also offers Hit Squads to people who have moved into their new homes, helping to redecorate and improve the condition of properties.
The charity also offers people who have experienced homelessness the opportunity to attend cooking classes and help in community allotments to grow their own food and establish local networks.
Biddy added: “All money raised by Henry and all of our supporters go towards our services and to helping people to leave homelessness behind for good.”
https://www.justgiving.com/
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