Challenge

Leicester to Amsterdam Cycle Challenge

event 26 August 2023 - 29 August 2023

gps_fixed Register by 30 June 2023

speed Minimum sponsorship £1500

pin_drop Amsterdam, Netherlands

network_wifi_2_bar Tough

directions_bike Cycle

signpost East Midlands

airport_shuttle Transport provided

confirmation_number £200 (return flights not included)

This Summer, Waves of Positivity have teamed up with Islamic Relief for their first international challenge, cycling from Leicester to Amsterdam in aid of rebuilding homes in Syria for those affected by the Turkiye-Syria earthquake.

Forget the Eurostar! What better way to travel from London to Amsterdam than by pedaling the miles yourself!

Whether you are an experienced rider looking to put in some mileage or a complete beginner on your first ever multi-day ride, you will find other cyclists at your level, make friends for life and go on an incredible adventure which will stay with you forever.

The Challenge

This challenge consists of three days of cycling which totals 195miles!

Day 1 – Leicester to Cambridge (75 miles)
Day 2 – Cambridge to Harwich (70 miles)
Day 3 – Hook of Holland to Amsterdam (50 miles)

What’s Included in your Reg Fee

Hotels in Cambridge and Amsterdam
Ferry transport to Amsterdam
All meals
Support vehicle and team

What’s Not Included in your Reg Fee

Bicycle and any bike related equipment
Travel insurance
Return flights
Spending money

Help move Syrian families from tents into permanent homes

Almost two million Syrians are living in tents in Northern Syria. These tents are extremely inadequate in providing safe shelter, and leave families suffering from the freezing cold and winter storms, as well as the harsh conditions in the summer.

With thousands more families displaced in the aftermath of the devastating earthquakes that struck southern Turkey and northern Syria, living conditions have worsened even further.

Islamic Relief teams distributing NFI items to families affected by the earthquake in camps, providing items such as: mattresses, blankets, and plastic sheets.

Image: Islamic Relief teams distributing NFI items to families affected by the earthquake in camps, providing items such as: mattresses, blankets, and plastic sheets.

A dire housing situation

Many families in North-West Syria are living in substandard and squalid conditions, leaving them highly vulnerable. Infrastructure has been badly affected by the recent earthquake and years of conflict. This has made housing increasingly difficult to find, and vulnerable families cannot afford to pay rent. Therefore, a growing number of people are forced to settle in camps, where they face little protection from the elements.

In the harsh winters of Syria, families living in tents face extreme cold and are also prone to serious illnesses, while in the summer many suffer from sunstroke from direct sunlight hitting their tents. Children are particularly vulnerable, and as well as falling sick, many are unable to study and go to school amid such living conditions. Adults face an even greater struggle to work, pushing families further into poverty.

One million people in North-West Syria live in unsuitable shelters, while 200,000 families don’t live in proper houses.

Rebuilding homes and lives for vulnerable families

As well as providing emergency support, Islamic Relief is committed to helping those in need recover and rebuild after disaster strikes. Before the earthquake struck, Islamic Relief had started rebuilding houses for the families displaced by the crisis in Syria. So far, we have built 145 houses in North-West Syria.

With your vital help, we will scale-up our building of homes, especially for the most vulnerable, so that they can live in safety and with dignity.

birdseye view of new houses being built in syria

Each home will be 65 square metres, and be able to host a family-of-five. The family will own their new home for life .

We’re working with local communities to identify and serve those who are most in need, including:

Women and child-headed households
Families with persons suffering from illness and disabilities
Displaced families
The elderly

We still have a long way to go to meet the housing needs of families struggling to survive in Syria, with estimates that 150,000-200,000 homes are needed.

Your vital pariticpation will help families affected by the crisis with a home to help restore their wellbeing, protect them from the elements, and rebuild their lives.

Want to take part in the Leicester to Amsterdam Challenge?

Fundraising Ideas

Smarties: Buy 20 tubes of Smarties and give them to 20 of your friends. Your one condition? Once they’ve enjoyed the Smarties, they return the tubes back to you filled with as many £1 coins as they can collect in a week. You’d be surprised how much you can raise using this tactic!

Bake Sale: A true classic. How about adding a theme to your fundraiser depending on the cause you’re raising for? E.g. a blue theme if you’re fundraising to provide clean water. Or you could really go for it, sell other homemade delights alongside your delicious baked goods like milkshakes, smoothies or classic desserts (trifle, cake & custard etc.).

Car Wash: Probably the most fun thing you could do, and all you need is water, a bucket, a sponge and some car shampoo. You could do this at your school or workplace, or you could even ask a local business to let you use their grounds/car park. Try make it more interesting by doing it in fancy dress and get your family and friends in on all the fun!

Click here for more fundraising ideas

Questions?

Email us on [email protected] with any questions or for any further information. We’re here to support 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

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