We’re looking for cycling enthusiasts to join our team to take part in the Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 100 challenge this summer.
The event on 4 August starts in Queen Elizabeth Park in East London, then the 100-mile route, on closed roads, takes in key city sights and winding Surrey roads (and hills) before finishing up at The Mall in central London.
Last year, seven cyclists were part of Team 999 Club. We collectively made nearly £5,000. This helps run a night shelter and drop-in day centre in South East London.
We have guaranteed places in our team for the 2019 challenge. There is no registration fee to take part, but each cyclist is expected to raise at least £500 for us. In return, they will receive social media support, a personalized cycling top and training tips. We'll give you a fundraising pack and the opportunity to take part in team meet-ups.
The money raised is crucial in supporting people who are homeless or vulnerably housed to make a new start.
Where your money goes
£500 pays for 18 people to stay in our emergency Night Shelter for one night, where they can have a bed for the night, a hot dinner and breakfast, and access showers and washing facilities. They can also receive expert support to find accommodation, access benefits, take part in training and personal skills courses and see healthcare professionals.
Nick stayed in our Night Shelter for more than two months after a family breakdown left him homeless and sleeping in his car late last year. After working with the 999 Club, he accessed healthcare, applied for benefits and is now living in supported accommodation.
Describing his experiences working with the staff and volunteers at the 999 Club, Nick said: “They make you feel so wanted. This place saved my life.
“It’s 2019 and we have got homeless people. There were 600 homeless people who died last year, sleeping outside. I can’t describe how that makes me feel.”
Some advice from cyclists’ Paul and Toby
Paul Aitchison is among the cyclists who have donned the distinctive yellow and orange Team 999 Club jersey to raise money for the charity in previous years.
The global Head of Space at insurance organisation AIG said: “The work the 999 Club do is restorative, trying to get people back to a functioning place in society – I think that’s an incredible thing to do. Visiting the charity and looking at the facilities is very grounding. My world doesn’t expose me to these problems. I know about them, but seeing it first hand is very humbling.”
Toby Gooding, Director of Urban Patchwork estate agents in Surrey Quays, rode for the 999 Club in 2018.
He said: “It was wonderful. I hadn’t ridden that far before, but it helps when you are taking part in a big event and the other people are around you, pushing you on.”