Cyclists take on 3,000 mile ride for Sheffield trafficking victims

A group of cyclists have clocked up over 3,000 miles during a coast-to-coast bike ride, to raise awareness of human trafficking in Sheffield.
Sheffield cyclists clock up over 3,000 miles for human trafficking charitySheffield cyclists clock up over 3,000 miles for human trafficking charity
Sheffield cyclists clock up over 3,000 miles for human trafficking charity

The 18 cyclists have raised over £14,500 for the Snowdrop Project, a local charity which helps survivors of human trafficking in the city. The team set off on its epic cycle challenge from Morecambe on May 4, and took two-and-a-half days to complete the journey, which covered 170 miles, ending in Bridlington, North Yorkshire.

The group was aiming to raise £12,000 for the services Snowdrop provides, including specialist trauma counselling, community activities such as sewing and dance, and house renovations to turn bare council properties into welcoming and cosy homes.

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Denise Lawrenson, community facilitator at Snowdrop, said: “We’re so grateful for our team of riders and everyone who sponsored to help raise these vital funds, and for absolutely smashing the target. This money will go towards building more hopeful futures for people who have experienced this awful crime.

“Human trafficking is one of the greatest human rights concerns of our time, and it’s happening right here in Sheffield. It’s a growing crime generation billions of billions of pounds per year for criminals but worryingly very few people know it exists or they have misconceptions about it.”

Kathy Wheatley, aged 35, from Nether Edge, was one of the riders. She said: “I’ve never cycled this distance before; I love the outdoors but my cycling experience really only covers a slow ride to the beer garden so I felt daunted and nervous about the task ahead. The ride itself was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, but despite punctures, hail storms and some near vertical hills, we persevered.”