Rather foolishly after too many beers one night I agreed to do the London to Paris cycle ride this month, with 5 other University friends. I haven’t been on a bike in over 30 years, in fact I don’t even own a bike or any lycra for that matter. So the task of fitting myself out, with a borrowed bike and lots of stretchy, synthetic garments has been interesting! I am so far 7 weeks into a fitness routine of swimming and cycling and actually starting to enjoy it, but less about me.

It is not often I do these sorts of challenges, so I thought to make it really worthwhile, I would try and raise money for a special cause. I have been a Trustee of the Humber YMCA for over 9 years, mainly responsible for trying to redevelop new homeless accommodation in Grimsby. So far, we have had many false starts, but now have a fantastic new scheme to take the YMCA back to its roots and build a new facility for accommodation, training, support and a café right in the heart of the East Marsh of Grimsby on Freeman St. The East Marsh is one of the most deprived wards in the whole of the UK and this new development will hopefully be one of the first of many to help revitalise this important part of Grimsby.

The YMCA Humber has been based at the end of a road, on the edge of Grimsby in a 1970’s purpose built building, which is sadly no longer fit for purpose. By wanting to relocate into one of the most deprived areas in the Country, the YMCA want to be at the heart of their community, rather than on the edge. This is a brave move and will hopefully help greatly in the regeneration of what was once a vibrant area, with its association to The Grimsby Docks. 

As well as providing supported accommodation, the YMCA does some
wonderful work to support young people with mental health, their education and also provides youth club facilities. Therefore, anything you could donate would be very gratefully received and really help the YMCA to grow these services and place the organisation back into the heart of the community to continue its fantastic work with young people.