Paris, here we come!
In these days of social distancing, raising vital funds for charity is more difficult than ever and supporters are turning to ever more creative measures to help their favourite charity. One such person is Caroline Allen-Monaghan, who has decided to venture across the channel in her quest to help the Sycamore Trust.
Caroline, from Upminster, has signed up for the London to Paris cycle ride next July in order to help the Sycamore Trust, a distance of almost 300 miles spread over four days. Caroline's son Charles has been attending our youth clubs for a couple of years now after he was diagnosed with autism in 2016.
Charles has been attending our Alpha Club in Rainham for a couple of years and was also able to join us at Stubbers in 2018, so his mum decided to express her gratitude by getting on her bike and cycling 286 miles to raise money!
Charles takes aim on the archery range in August 2018
Caroline said; "When we received Charles's ASD diagnosis in early 2016, I was lucky enough to discover the Sycamore Trust who specialise in supporting the needs of individuals and families for whom ASD difficulties are a part of everyday life. They have been priceless for Charles & for us, and I feel like raising money for them is the least I can do with the positive impact they've had on his life and how he behaves."
The London to Paris cycle ride takes place over a four day period next July, with the first 86 mile stage from London to Calais (via a ferry from Dover). The following day, the riders take on an 82 mile stretch through the French countryside to the town of Arras, a route that is described as having a 'few small climbs', which will probably be tougher than it sounds!
The third day involves another 76 miles to Compiegne before arriving in Paris on day four after another 67 miles, finishing on Champs de Mars, having ridden along the the famous Champs Elysees.
The riders then get a well earned day off before returning to the UK, by which we hope they will all have raised a huge sum for their chosen charities.
If you can support Caroline in her efforts to raise vital funds for the Sycamore Trust, please click here; https://bit.ly/2TxJ2va
In the meantime, if you see Caroline out training on the streets of Hornchurch, give her a wave and wish her luck!
Charles gets behind the wheel at Stubbers