A CHARITY cycling event in Crewe is gearing up to change the lives of under-privileged youngsters –through adventure.

The Foundation Rides 2016 will see cyclists from across south Cheshire saddle in aid of the Up and Under Foundation.

The charity works with Crewe schools, scouts and other youth groups to ensure youngsters do not miss out on life-changing adventures because they cannot afford the trip fees.

Cyclists will saddle up for the fourth annual event starts at Quakers Coppice in Crewe on May 8, from 8.30am.

The event was the brainchild of Andy Fewtrell, managing director of The Up and Under Group, a Crewe-based civil engineering company.

“The purpose of the rides is to help less well-off youngsters and give them the excitement of challenge and adventure,” he said.

“It is wonderful to see their confidence grow simply by enjoying an activity trip to the countryside.”

A number of Crewe charities are set to benefit from this year’s event. Last year more than 150 cyclists took part and helped to raise £7,000.

Part of that share went to Crewe-based charity Cheshire Young Carers, which supports young carers and families.

Mary Beaumont, charity manager for Cheshire Young Carers, said: “Cheshire Young Carers are the only service in the county 100 per cent focused on providing holistic support and respite to children and young people as young as six.

“They ‘help out’ at home providing regular care support to a parent or sibling whose health is seriously affected through disability, chronic or terminal illness, mental health problems or entrenched alcohol or substance misuse.

“The Foundations Rides have helped raise over £6,000 for our charity over the past four years and we can’t be more grateful to those who take part.”

This year’s event offers varying routes for different abilities. A 25k route will offer work mates a team-building day and families a ride out while a 50k ride includes a café stop half way through.

New for 2016 is the mighty 100k Three Counties Ride, crossing over into Staffordshire and Shropshire with lots of steep climbs.

Andy said: “Anyone looking for an opportunity to get fit and support local youngsters, giving them adventures they wouldn’t normally be able to afford, is extremely welcome to join us.”

To enter The Foundation Rides 2016 call Lorna Fewtrell on 01270 589615 or visit foundationrides.co.uk