The group set off from Kings Cross in London on Saturday the 27th January.
A group, led by Halifax-based charity Happy Days, are riding 350 miles over the course of six days this week in a bid to raise £10,000 for the homeless.
The group set off from Kings Cross in London on Saturday the 27th January. Armed with just a bike and a sleeping bag, they must reach their destination sleeping rough the entire time.
Cycling up to 75 miles per day, the cyclists will tour some of the UK’s most prolific areas for homelessness, taking shelter on the streets in Milton Keynes, Birmingham, Stoke, Liverpool and their home town of Halifax before reaching their destination in Leeds on Thursday February 1st.
Commenting on the ride, Dave Fawcett, CEO of Happy Days, said “We set up Happy Days in 2014, and since then have gone on to help a huge amount of people find a home, and even get back in to the workforce.”
“Everybody taking part in this ride has a huge love and passion to change lives and improve local communities. Whether it’s raising money, volunteering or just changing attitudes towards homelessness, I hope we inspire as many people as possible over the coming days.”
“Anybody can be a victim of bad circumstances, but it can be so simple and easy to make a difference in someone’s life who needs it the most.”
Happy Days Ministries are based in Sowerby Bridge, Halifax, and provide essential services to those suffering from homelessness and addiction in their area. As well as these services, their social enterprises include a cycling shop, a café and a building company.
Michael Collins, Social Enterprise Manager for Happy Days cycle shop, and one of the riders, added: “With temperatures reaching sub zero this winter, it’s heart-breaking to think that 250,000 people, including children, are homeless in the UK today. There’s so many individuals sleeping in hostels, shelters or on the streets at night.”
“I hope this challenge encourages people to join us in raising money, awareness and support for the homeless people across the UK.”
Throughout the ride, Dave and the Happy Days team will meet with mayors and city officials, providing public talks each night to help raise awareness and give local people information on how they can get involved in their communities.
On the final night, January 31st, the Happy Days team have extended an open invitation for those wishing to raise money themselves. The iconic Piece Hall in Halifax will hold a mass sleep out to demonstrate the effects and dangers of sleeping rough. For more information on how to get involved, or to donate, please visit https://localgiving.org/fundraising/happydayssleepingrough/