Over 80 cyclists took part in the IDAS annual cycling event on Saturday 17th September raising thousands of pounds to fund services for children affected by domestic abuse in York and North Yorkshire.
As many as 1 in 5 children are affected by domestic abuse and the impacts can be far reaching including, school attendance, achievement, emotional well being, behaviour and relationships. IDAS have supported over 100 families in refuge accommodation in the last year and 800 through the Outreach services. Children's workers can help a child or young person to learn how to cope following domestic abuse and work through their feelings helping them to move on with their lives.
The cycle ride is an important fundraising and awareness raising event for IDAS. Every person who takes part will tell their friends and family helping to get the message out there that there is support available, as well as raising thousands for children's services.
This year cyclists rode 20, 40 or 70 mile routes setting off from York Millennium Bridge heading to Beningbrough Hall where they had the opportunity to refuel before completing the return leg or cycling on to Easingwold and beyond. The 40 mile route to Easingwold and back is a relatively level route and provided a fantastic ride through the countryside. Those taking on the 70 mile route had some steep climbs but showed true grit in completing the ride in great time. Riders who cycled to Easingwold received a warm welcome from the IDAS ground team and plenty of refreshments.
The sun shone for all the participants and staff who made the event possible. Cyclists have so far raised over nine thousand pounds in sponsorship to pay for vital services that help children and their families to move on from domestic abuse.
Sarah Hill, CEO of IDAS said:
"We have been delighted with the support shown by all the cyclists taking part in the ride this year. Many haven't cycled more than a few miles before and have taken this on as a personal challenge. We are grateful for the time and energy that they have put into training and participating in the event as well as raising money for our children's services. Often children are the hidden victims of domestic abuse and we want to make sure that we are there to support them. A huge thank you to everyone who has taken part and made the event a success, I hope to see you all next year!"
The annual cycle ride will take place on 16th September 2017. Organisers hope to build on the success of past events and involve local cycling clubs and organisations in developing and improving the cycle ride to make the next event even bigger and better next year.
If you are interested in supporting the planning of the event or for information on how to get involved contact IDAS on info@idas.org.uk
To donate please visit www.justgiving.com/IDAS
