Calderdale charity cyclists hit the road

Steve Duncan, the chief executive of the Community Foundation for Calderdale, and six supporters are pedalling more than 900 miles from Cornwall to Scotland on a challenge to pay for apprenticeships schemes with local companies.

The team are on their third day of the epic journey and are currently riding from Taunton to Tewksbury - a total of 91.2miles.

Mr Duncan Tweeted: “Thank you for all the donations we have raised over £100,000 that will fund 25 young people for a year each #changinglives...”

Residents are now being encouraged to join a Cavalcade when it passes through Calderdale on Tuesday, April 23 - Day 5 of the Land’s End to John O’Groats Challenge.

The team will divert from the traditional LEJOG route to finish at the Eureka! Children’s Museum in Halifax.

From noon on Tuesday, the cavalcade arrives in Walsden near Todmorden where their route will be lined with school children who have been making St George’s flags.

They will be led through the Calder Valley by Halifax Town Crier Les Cutts on a tandem and the Mayor of Calderdale John Hardy on an electric bike.

The cavalcade will travel from Todmorden, through Hebden Bridge, Mytholmroyd and end up in Halifax at the Eureka Children’s Museum where people can join in many family friendly activities including a climbing wall, there is also a free bike health check from supporters Cycle Gear, Halifax.

Taking part in the celebration will be riders from Ravenscliffe High School, Skircoat Green, Halifax, on specially adapted bikes and stunt riders from C I Adventures.

When the team reached their initial target of £100,000 to fund places for 25 young unemployed people they praised the people of Calderdale and beyond for their generosity.

The group, which includes 70-year-old Roger Moore, the chairman of Community Foundation For Calderdale, hope to complete the epic ride in nine days.

People can still sponsor the cyclists by visiting www.justgiving.com/teams/cycleforwork