Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

We are raising money for the Billington Foundation which supports our chosen charities - Well Child & People First.

We are taking on a gruelling 195 mile cycle, coast to coast, from Portpatrick to Newbiggin-By-The-Sea.

WellChild supports children with complex medical needs and their families across the UK.

They provide support, advice and guidance. This is only made possible by voluntary donations. Their services include:

- A growing network of 53 WellChild Children’s Nurses who provide specialist support to enable children with complex needs to leave hospital and be cared for at home.

- Helping Hands programme enlists corporate support to carry out essential renovations to create accessible, practical and stimulating spaces in the homes of seriously ill children.

- The development of a national network of specialist Better At Home Training Units to empower parents to care with confidence when they take their children home.

- Connecting families who feel isolated and alone via social media and group meet ups to share experiences and support one another. Over 3,000 families are currently using our WellChild Family Tree and benefitting from this service. Information Hub is a go-to specialist digital source of information and support for families to give them the tools they need to navigate complex systems like health, education and housing.

People First Independent Advocacy

People First is an independent, customer-led advocacy charity that has been working across the North of England for over 30 years. The organisation is dedicated to supporting individuals with learning difficulties and/or autism, helping them to live informed, respected, healthy, and fulfilled lives.

Who People First Supports:

People First primarily supports:

- Children and young people aged 10–25 with learning difficulties and/or autism.

- Adults facing challenges in accessing services, understanding their rights, or needing support in various aspects of life.

How People First Supports Them:

- Advocacy Services: Providing independent advocacy to help individuals understand their rights, express their views, and make informed decisions. This includes dedicated advocacy hubs in regions like Cumberland, Stockton-On-Tees, Redcar, Middlesbrough, and Hartlepool.

- Youth Programs: Through initiatives like "Young People First," the organisation offers safe spaces for young individuals to develop self-advocacy skills, engage in social activities, and plan for their futures. Activities range from arts and crafts to trips, aiming to build confidence and community connections.

- Education and Training: The PF Academy provides vocational training, including the Hospitality Academy, Best Life Programme, Creating Careers, and Independent Travel Training, equipping individuals with skills for employment and independent living.

- UDirect Support: Offering impartial advice and support for those interested in or currently receiving direct payments or Personal Health Budgets, ensuring they have control over their care and support.

- 5Inclusion Initiatives: Promoting self-advocacy, easy-read services, and involvement in programs like the LeDeR Programme and Care and Treatment Reviews to ensure individuals' voices are heard in service planning and delivery.

We’re excited to support their work and make a meaningful impact together.