Big bike push will net thousands for youngsters

Cycle for Youth brought seven teams of riders together to keep the wheels of seven exercise bikes spinning for 24 hours at the TS Sussex Sea Cadet headquarters in Rope Walk, Littlehamp-ton, from 6pm on Friday to 6pm on Saturday.

The teams included the WIRE Project, Little-hampton and District Lions Club, Littlehamp-ton Police, Esporta fitness club, the Little-hampton Gazette and Spirit FM, which did a live roadshow from the ride on Saturday.

Many came equipped with cushions but even these did little to soften the strain of five hours in the saddle over one hour or half-hour slots.

Some respite by the way of sleep was available in bunks provided by the Cadets and refreshments, donated by Cushways of Rustington and Somerfield, were served by Peter Hawkes a member of the Cadets' board of trustees, helped keep the riders going.

Organised by Dean Jones of Littlehampton Lions and Arun and town councillor Mark Butler, the event hopes to raise around 5,000 for the TS Sussex Sea Cadets and the WIRE Project's Blaze scheme, which works with disadvantaged children in Littlehampton.

Said Dean: "I first tried to put on a 24-hour bike ride about 18 months ago but it never got off the ground, so I decided to ask my friend Mark Butler to help.

"I'd like to thank all the riders who took part, everyone who sponsored them and Steve Bell from Esporta in Rustington for supplying the bikes."

With sponsorship money still being collected the final amount raised is not yet known but has already been boosted by a 250 donation from Paul Crease at the Arun View pub.

A further 340 was raised from two raffles, one for a mountain bike donated by Littlehampton's Dutch Bike Company.

A signed Brighton and Hove Albion FC shirt was auctioned for 35.

Mark Butler said: "The camaraderie has been amazing.

"It's taken a lot for the riders to get through the whole 24 hours, but the end result has been worth it.

"I don't think people appreciate just how difficult it is to get back on a bike at 4am when you've not slept and you're exhausted, but the support of your team-mates is what gets you through."

Mark Yates, project manager for the WIRE, said: "It's been overwhelming. There are so many people here from different organisations who have given up their time to support us.

"The WIRE Project is in a very vulnerable position at the moment, so it's great to have this kind of support.

"We are seeking core funding for the next three years, but without that, this time next year, the WIRE Project might not exist."

Commanding officer of TS Sussex, Brian Osborne, said: "Our aim is to rebuild our jetty to make it safer for the Cadets to use, but I'm afraid that's going to cost around 100,000.

"We are fortunate to have such huge support from the community and very grateful to all the riders and everyone who supported them."