Zoe’s Bike Ride will see Capital Gains for Cumbria Charity
A Lancaster-based architect plans to cycle 100 miles across London this month to raise money for a Cumbria charity, organising outdoor activities for disabled and disadvantaged people. Zoe Hooton of HPA will complete the gruelling ride between London and Surrey to raise money for the Bendrigg Trust.
The Bendrigg Trust, a residential activity centre near Kendal which provides activity holidays and courses, is on a major fundraising drive to enhance provision for disabled visitors. The 29-year-old is one of a team of architects at HPA who have developed plans on behalf of the Trust, for a project to create new facilities at the popular Lodge in Old Hutton.
The money raised will support the £1.5M improvement programme which includes the creation of a new outdoor activities space, including a fully wheelchair-accessible activities tower, complete with a tree house, tree-top walkway, climbing wall, and zip wire. A fully accessible residential unit named Acorn House will also be created to replace the current outdated facility.
Zoe, who is from Lancaster, said: “I’ve seen first-hand how Bendrigg’s work improves the lives of disabled and disadvantaged people and it’s a cause I am truly passionate about. I have helped create the new plans, so the project is close to home for me. Working on the project really spurred me to take up the cycling challenge to help make the plans a reality. I’m really thrilled that my ride will bring the Bendrigg Trust closer to achieving the new vision.”
“The Prudential RideLondon follows a similar route to the London 2012 Olympic Cycling Road Races so I’ve been training hard for the task ahead. I cycled my first Bay Dash this year, a charitable 68 mile ride, and also cycled to the Buttertubs Pass to watch Le Tour de Yorkshire.”
The Prudential RideLondon takes place on August 10 and follows a 100 mile route from Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, travelling through closed roads in the capital to Surrey’s countryside. Zoe, who is hoping to raise £1,000 for the Trust by taking part in the two-day cycling festival, is moving towards her target and would welcome any further donations.
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