CYCLISTS are being urged to get in the saddle in support of vulnerable children and young people living within reach of their doorsteps. 

Brathay Trust, the Ambleside-based national children’s charity, will this year host an inaugural bike ride to raise money for its fledgling Focus on Furness campaign. 

The new project will reach out to young people in Barrow and the surrounding areas, aiming to support those who are vulnerable or disadvantaged including those who are in or on the verge of entering care The first Brathay Belter Sportive is being organised to boost funding for the scheme, and adds a new level to the charity’s 70th anniversary celebrations. 

Yvonne Athersmith, Brathay Trust operations manager for guest services, said: “If people don’t want to ride, they can still turn up and be part of it all. 

"It’s a case of making sure there’s something for everyone who wants to support us.” 

Sponsored by Ambleside’s Ghyllside Cycles, the cycle will take place on Sunday March 20 and cover a 44-mile route taking in views of Coniston, Morecambe Bay, Esthwaite Water and Windermere. 

The ride will finish at Brathay Hall on the shores of Windermere, where members of the community will be invited to join in with activities on site including children’s games, cake stalls and a static bike challenge. 

Included in their entry price, cyclists can enjoy homemade cakes as well as hot food at the finish line. 

Youth entries are available for those aged 12 and over, who must be accompanied by an adult. 

Adult entries are open to those aged 16 to 18, who will need to sign a consent form, and everyone over 18. Advanced entry costs £22, while entry on the day costs £25 and is only available to those aged 18 and over. 

Mrs Athersmith said: “There are so many young people in Furness we want to be able to reach out to. 

"We want to be able to make the changes they need to believe in themselves for a happier future, and the funds we hope to raise through this kind of event will make a huge difference to our ability to do that.” 

One of those taking part in the belter will be Brathay learning and development consultant, Helen Carter. 

She said: “I worked in Furness supporting young people involved in risky behaviour when I first moved to Cumbria, and had a really warm welcome to the area. 

"Brathay now has some great work going on in the area and fundraisers like the belter will help us make sure that we’re working with as many young people as we can, to help them make positive decisions and thrive.” 

Visit www.brathay.org.uk/brathaybelter to enter. For more information email Sarah.Thompson@brathay.org.uk or call 015394 39718.