Cycling event will see charity closer to million mark (From Wharfedale Observer)

Cycling event will see charity closer to million mark

12:00pm Monday 18th March 2013 in Local news

The Acorn 100k Charity Bike Ride on May 11 will be the start of the big push to reach the Ilkley and Harrogate-based charity’s £1 million fundraising target, says its chairman, Louise Hanen.
The Acorn Sponsored Bike Ride, which is in its seventh year, is one of the key events for the charity which raises funds for research into Scleroderma disease at Leeds General Infirmary and for people with dementia and their carers in the Harrogate and Ripon area.
Over the last six years, the bike ride alone has raised over £177,000 for the two cause, with the charity having raised over £850,000 since its inception in 1999.
The charity’s target of £1,000,000 could be reached within the next 12 months.
Chairman, Louise Hanen, says: “Last year we had a record number of cyclists at 560 and between them they raised an astounding £32,000.
“We are hoping to top the £1 million mark in the next 12 months and hope that this year’s event will go a good way to achieving that.”
The annual bike ride starts at Bishop Monkton and follows a 100k circular route through Boroughbridge, Helperby, Easingwold, Sheriff Hutton, Linton on Ouse and Marton-cum-Grafton before returning to Bishop Monkton. It involves 100 volunteers and includes lunch at Sheriff Hutton and tea and cake at the finishing point in Bishop Monkton.
The route is fully marshaled with St John’s Ambulance on hand to deal with medical emergencies and Chevin Cycles of Otley with mechanical difficulties.
As Acorn is a registered charity, cyclists can log on to its JustGiving fundraising page online to generate sponsorship. The charity can also claim Gift Aid from donations.
The Bike Ride began as a challenge for Acorn supporters in 2007 and has now become a very popular date in the cyclists’ calendar. Entries can be made online at acorncharity.org.uk. Teams from local businesses and clubs are also encouraged to get involved.
For details, contact Louise Hanen on (01423) 734876 or e-mail louisehanen @acorncharity.org.uk