ONE of Oxford’s best known cyclists is urging businesses and organisations to sign up for a charity challenge that raises money for the upkeep of churches.
City councillor Colin Cook is a familiar figure on the streets of Oxford, and can often be seen cycling from his home along the Botley Road to Town Hall meetings.
The former Lord Mayor is calling for groups of colleagues to join him on two wheels by getting teams together to compete for the Ride + Stride Taylor Trophy.
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Ride + Stride takes place this year on Saturday, September 14.
Organised locally by Oxfordshire Historic Churches Trust (OHCT), it is an annual fundraiser that sees the public sponsored to walk or cycle between churches.
The event is for individuals, families and groups of friends, but work colleagues who enter a team can compete for the Taylor Trophy.
Designed by local artist Eleanor Clutton-Brock, the trophy is awarded to the business or organisation team that raises the most money.
Speaking at the trophy launch at St Frideswide’s Church, Botley Road, Mr Cook said: “I am very happy to support the fantastic work OHCT is doing to provide funding to help local communities repair, maintain and improve Oxfordshire’s historic churches.”
READ AGAIN: Sign up for Ride + Stride to back Oxfordshire churches
Mr Cook, who is Historic England Heritage Champion for Oxford, added: “The annual Ride + Stride event is the single largest source of income for OHCT. I hope individuals and groups can get together to raise sponsorship for this very worthwhile cause.
“In particular, I would like to encourage small groups from some of the many businesses and organisations across the county to participate in the Taylor Trophy and support the trust whilst keeping fit and seeing a bit more of our glorious county.”
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Speaking at the launch, OHCT chairman Stephen Goss said: “Here’s an excellent way for businesses and clubs to contribute to the community and to have an enjoyable day out.”
All of the money raised by Ride + Stride participants can be donated to OHCT to distribute – or half of it can be donated to a church of the participant’s choice.
The majority of the money raised goes to projects in Church of England churches. Nationally the event raises about £1m every year.
Oxfordshire is one of the most successful counties in terms of fundraising – with people contributing about £100,000 in 2018.
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Oxford was chosen as the venue for the national launch for Ride + Stride in May.
For more details visit ohct.org.uk/ride-stride
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