Zoe’s charity bike ride will see capital gains for charity

A Lancaster-based architect plans to cycle 100 miles across London this month to raise money for a Cumbria charity which organises outdoor activities for disabled and disadvantaged people.

Zoe Hooton of Harrison Pitt Architects will complete the gruelling ride between London and Surrey to raise money for the Bendrigg Trust.

The Bendrigg Trust, a residential activity centre near Kendal which provides activity holidays and courses, is on a major fundraising drive to enhance provision for disabled and disadvantaged visitors.

The 29-year-old is one of a team of architects at Lancaster-based practice Harrison Pitt which has developed plans on behalf of the Bendrigg Trust for a project to create new facilities at the popular Bendrigg Lodge, Old Hutton.

The money raised will support the £1.5m improvement programme which includes the creation of a new outdoor activities space, including a fully wheelchair-accessible activities tower complete with a tree house, tree-top walkway, climbing wall and zip wire.

A fully wheelchair-accessible residential unit named Acorn House will also be created to replace the current outdated facility.

Zoe, who is from Lancaster, said: “I’ve seen first-hand how Bendrigg’s work improves the lives of disabled and disadvantaged people and it’s a cause I am truly passionate about.

“I have helped create the new plans so the project is close to home for me. Working on the project really spurred me to take up the cycling challenge to help make the plans a reality.

“I got into cycling when I lived in London and owned a Brompton folding bike, but this is the furthest I have ever cycled.

“The Prudential RideLondon follows a similar route to the London 2012 Olympic Cycling Road Races so I’ve been training hard for the task ahead. I cycled my first Bay Dash this year, a charitable 68 mile ride, and also cycled to the Buttertubs Pass to watch Le Tour de Yorkshire.

“I’m really thrilled that my ride will bring the Bendrigg Trust closer to achieving the new vision.”

The Prudential RideLondon takes place on August 10 and follows a 100 mile route from Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, travelling through closed roads in the capital to Surrey’s countryside. Zoe who is hoping to raise £1,000 for the trust by taking part in the two-day cycling festival, is moving towards her target and would welcome any further donations. www.justgiving.com/Zoe-Hooton