Bike and hike fundraiser appeals for more corporate teams

The organisers of a charity walk and cycle ride, which will raise cash for Derby Kids’ Camp and Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre, are appealing for Marketing Derby Bondholders to enter teams.

It is hoped that the Cosy Child Bike and Hike, which is due to take place on 17 May, will raise thousands of pounds for the two charities, which provide holidays for hundreds of underprivileged children from the city each year.

The event is being organised by Cosy Foundation, the charitable arm of educational supplier Cosy Direct.

It incorporates the Skegvegas 100 bike ride, a sponsored cycle ride from Derby to Skegness, alongside a new activity called the Ashbourne Amble, a 20-mile walk from the city to Ashbourne.

So far, around 100 people have signed up for the cycle ride and 70 people for the walk.

But Cosy is looking for more corporate teams (made up of four team members) to take part.

Among the teams already signed up are Cosy, Embark Federation, Heatons, Pennine Healthcare and L.E.A.D. IT.

Last year’s Skegvegas 100 raised just over £50,000, which was shared by the holiday centre and the kids’ camp.

Event organiser Peter Ellse, chief executive of Cosy Foundation, hopes the extra walking event will help raise even more cash this year.

He said: “We were hugely impressed by the enthusiasm everyone has for the Skegvegas 100 bike ride when we took over its organisation last year, but it was very apparent how many people were keen to raise money too, but didn’t fancy cycling that distance.

“By adding the walk, more people can get involved and we can raise more money for young people who deserve their own summer getaway, whether that’s to the seaside or to the countryside.

“We’d love to see more corporate teams sign up so that work colleagues can share the experience.”

Once again, Toyota will be supplying hydrogen transport, while Embark will be holding an Elvis-themed party in Skegness.

The walk will also feature a prominent local historian, who will give a talk on Bonnie Prince Charlie, near the statue on Cathedral Green.

To sign up to the Cosy Child Bike and Hike or to donate, visit www.cosybikeandhike.com.