Help York Mind travel to Hull and back

In the second of his features on York Mind, Robert Beaumont says it’s time for the city to saddle up

Calling all York cyclists – York Mind needs your help on World Mental Health Day next month. Team York Mind is taking part in the To Hull And Back Cycle Challenge, which is a static cycle ride based in Parliament Street, York.

The team will attempt to cycle the distance from York Minster to the Humber Bridge and back again, which is nearly 82 miles, on the stationary bicycle on Thursday, October 10.

“Whether you are a brilliant cyclist, or just a novice, we need you to join Team York Mind and help us complete the challenge,” explained Holly Pollard, the community fundraiser for York Mind.

Registration is free and you do not have to be super-fit to take part. Time slots are either 30 minutes or an hour between 9am and 5pm on October 10.

Once you have registered, you will receive:

• A York Mind T-shirt
• All the advice, guidance and tips you need from a dedicated event co-ordinator to help you prepare
• Sponsorship forms / online fundraising page help
• Optional inclusion for you or your company in our media activity.

Holly explained: “Anyone who takes part in this challenge will have the great feeling of making a real difference to local people with a mental health problem.

“One in four people will experience mental ill-health at some point in their lifetime and 25 per cent of drugs prescribed on the NHS are for a mental health problem.”

She added: “We are so pleased to be hosting the To Hull And Back Cycle Challenge this year. It’s a great opportunity for local people to get active, raise awareness of mental health and raise much-needed funds for York Mind.

“Being involved with a local charity means that I see the real difference the money makes, every day. It doesn’t simply contribute to a national pot – the funds raised are spent helping people you work with, are friends with, your next door neighbour or perhaps even you one day.”

To register, please email Holy Pollard or phone her on 01904 643364.

• See also How York Mind ‘gave me my life back’