Member Article

Amazing challenges to raise money for Leeds Mencap

Ordinary people doing amazing challenges to raise money for Leeds Mencap!

As part of a New Year New You campaign, Leeds Mencap wants to challenge local people to not make excuses but to make a difference in 2015. And two individuals have risen to the challenge and are doing just that. Richard Welsh, aged 28 from Bramley will take on a 5 day, 100km trek through the Sahara Desert in March this year. He is already well on his way to reaching his £2,000 target and will cover the Maider El Kbir plateau, climb Jebel Lamrakeb, as well as covering miles and miles of desert dunes in the baking Sahara heat.

Rich Welsh, 28, who successfully completed the Leeds Half Marathon for Leeds Mencap said:

“I am extremely motivated to raise money for Leeds Mencap. My mum has spent her working life caring for people with learning disabilities and I have seen first hand how Leeds Mencap makes such a difference to individual lives. Knowing that my fundraising will benefit people in my local community makes it all the more special for me. The amount of people who have supported me with this challenge is fantastic.’ Catherine Storey, 42 from Alwoodley who did the Yorkshire three peaks last year has dusted off her bike to set herself and some friends a cycling challenge this year. In May, they will be doing the famous Way of the Roses cycle route, 170 miles in three days tackling the hills of Lancashire into the Yorkshire Dales, Nidderdale and the Yorkshire Wolds. Catherine and her friends are looking forward to dipping the wheels of their bikes in the Irish Sea at the start at Morecombe and in the North Sea at Bridlington when they succeed.

Catherine who is one of Leeds Mencap’s fundraisers said this of her challenge;

“People with a learning disability find it harder than others to learn, understand and communicate. However, like all of us they are individuals who just need some help to get what they want out life. We are the only charity in Leeds that provide recreational and respite services that have literally been described as a “lifeline”. I like cycling but have never done any distance riding so this really will be a test of endurance for me. I will think of the families Leeds Mencap support when I tackle the three days of riding which include two big climbs of over 375 meters and of the struggles our families face each and every day.”

Leeds Mencap has an exciting calendar of challenge events for 2015 and can also create bespoke challenges to suit groups wanting to make a difference this year. Have you decided that 2015 is the year you are going to lose weight, become more active or just do something that makes you feel great? Then get in touch and do it in support of learning disabilities. Please call the fundraising team on 0113 2351331 or email fahad.khan@leedsmencap.org.uk or visit www.leedsmencap.org.uk.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Catherine Storey .