Coventry teens embark on bike ride to raise £12k for city charity's new roof - The Coventry Observer

Coventry teens embark on bike ride to raise £12k for city charity's new roof

Coventry Editorial 16th Jul, 2018 Updated: 16th Jul, 2018   0

TWO COVENTRY teens are embarking on a daring off-road bike ride to raise £12,000 to go towards building a new roof for a city charity.

Michael Bassett and James Billington will cycle 210 miles from St Bees in Cumbria on the West coast of England to Robin Hood’s bay in North Yorkshire on the East coast.

The Coventry City Mission based in Deedmore Road, Wood End, Coventry, desperately needs a new roof to continue its work.

After smashing their initial target of £10,000, Michael and James have increased their objective to £12,000 – which will go towards the £100,000 required for replacing the roof.




The adventurous cyclists are aiming to complete the entire cycle, or as much as possible, off road.

They will start and finish at sea level but they say the overall climb during the challenge could amount to more than 23,000 feet.


The Christian mission has served the community since 1983 and offers emotional, spiritual or physical support to city residents.

Young charity partner Michael and best friend James wrote on their fundraising group: “We are doing this to support the amazing work of Coventry City Mission, who work with some of the most disadvantaged and vulnerable people in the country.

“The mission runs a number of groups and activities including foodbank, groups for older people and a ‘pay-what-you-can’ cafe which offers hot meals on the basis of a donation (or at no cost).

“It does amazing work and help thousands of people each year, but their building needs a new roof.

“The roof is beyond repair and is in real need of replacing as soon as possible.

“We wanted to thank everyone who has helped us reach our target of £10,000 towards the mission’s new roof.

“We are now excited about seeing if we can raise even more towards the new roof.”

Executive director of the mission Darren Burgess said: “The roof is in desperate need of being replaced, having been patched for many years.

“A lot of the roof is the original roof with an age of more than 100 years.

“Earlier in the year we lost power in parts of the mission building due to water coming through onto the electrics.

“We are so proud of the guys and the effort they are making to support the charity.”

To donate to Michael and James’ cause go to their JustGiving page here: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ride-for-a-roof

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