Sarum Vision ride raises thousands to bring festive cheer to Bemerton Heath project

Thursday, 19 December 2024 05:55

A group of dedicated Sarum Vision cyclists pedalled 150 miles over two days in September to raise £2790 for Rise:61, a Salisbury-based charity supporting young people on the Bemerton Heath estate.

The stunning route took the 10-person team through Hampshire, Dorset, and Wiltshire, with favourable weather accompanying most of the journey.

The British weather didn’t disappoint them, though, with heavy rain as they crossed the finish line on the final day.

Rise:61 is committed to empowering local young people by offering free after-school clubs, mentoring, trips, outdoor adventures, and community events.

Funds from this ride will support the charity’s development, including creating a new youth and community hub and redeveloping their community garden to benefit future generations.

The participants extend their heartfelt thanks to everyone who donated and cheered them on, making the ride a resounding success, Mr Naeem Haq, event organiser and ophthalmologist at Sarum Vision, said, “It was a fantastic ride; it was an honour to ride for Rise:61 as we feel very strongly about young people having opportunities to try activities outside formal education which can be potentially life changing”.

Mr Matt Wakefield, an ophthalmologist at Sarum Vision, added, “This time of year is particularly poignant, and it was great to be able to present a cheque just in the run-up to Christmas that we know will make a big difference”.

To learn more about Rise:61 and how to get involved, please visit https://www.rise61.org/

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