On Sunday 22nd May, friends, colleagues, and supporters gathered for Kelly’s Cycle Challenge 2022. The event, which offers longer distances to challenge the more competitive cyclist or shorter ones for those looking to enjoy the countryside, runs each year to raise funds for Challengers and the work that they do. As long-term partners, it has been a regular fixture in COINS’ diary, and we were delighted to be able to continue to support the day. In total, the COINS team raised over £10,000 towards their fundraising target for a new playground project.
Challengers provide inclusive play and leisure activities for young people with disabilities across the South East. Their schemes provide children and young people with a fun and inclusive environment where they’re able to make friends and to try exciting new activities. In addition to being hugely beneficial for the young people who attend the schemes, it is also incredibly important for their families, allowing them time to catch up on jobs or spending time with their other children who may be more physically able and require less everyday support.
A number of COINS employees, friends, families and associates gathered on the day before heading out to take on the various distances, with some opting for the longer 72 mile ride. One of these individuals was COINS’ Martin Bickley, who has been a familiar face at these events over the years.
“Kelly’s Cycle Challenge 2022 was another great event – really well organised, amazing scenery and as a bonus, fantastic weather. The whole team at Challengers work so hard to ensure they can provide a safe and fun place for young people with disabilities to socialise, learn and play so it’s great to see events like this be such a success. It makes me proud to know COINS supports such an awesome cause and the £30k raised from Kelly’s Cycle Challenge gives a great start to the £250k Challengers are raising to fund the new playground project. We’ll be sharing details of other upcoming events there over the next few months and I’d definitely encourage others to get involved if they’re able to.”
A huge thank you to everyone who attended and congratulations to Challengers for another successful day – make sure to keep your eyes peeled for future events and other ways you can get involved.