The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company is again supporting a charity challenge which will see a team of fundraisers cycle almost 1,000 miles through Britain.

The Children’s Centre is offering Island residents the chance to join the Land’s End to John O’Groats (LEJOG) cycle challenge in July. The nine-day journey will raise money for the Manx charity which develops, manages and pioneers community initiatives and services aimed at enabling children, young people and families to realise their full potential.

Each team member must pay a ?95 registration fee and then either raise ?1,300 for The Children’s Centre or ?750 for the charity plus a personal contribution of ?550 to cover costs.

The Steam Packet Company is supporting by assisting with the cost of the team’s travel to and from the UK.

Fiona Dawson, Chief Executive of The Children’s Centre, said: ‘Starting in Cornwall and following a route through Dartmoor, the Welsh border, the Lake District and Scotland to the finishing point at John O’Groats, this is an amazing cycling adventure.

‘It is a tough challenge but also a fabulous way to see stunning scenery, and one of the most rewarding cycling experiences the rider will ever have.

‘The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company’s assistance with travel for this challenge helps reduce the cost of taking part and on behalf of The Children’s Centre I’d like to thank the company for renewing its much-valued support.’

An experienced leader will cycle with the team and be on hand to help with any bike problems during the challenge, which runs from 30th June to 10th July. There will also be a back-up van carrying a spare bike and spare parts, so that repairs can be made en-route.

The Children’s Centre's fundraising team will give advice and support on every aspect, including fundraising, kit and physical fitness - the challenge requires a reasonable level of fitness, so pre-event training is essential.

Steam Packet Company Chief Executive Mark Woodward said: ‘We’ve been pleased to support The Children’s Centre for many years, assisting with fundraising projects to continue its extremely valuable work in the Isle of Man.

‘Riders will need physical determination and dedication to fundraising to complete this major challenge, and I wish everyone who takes part the very best of luck.’

Visit www.thechildrenscentre.org.im/adventure-events for details about joining the LEJOG challenge.

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