Amy leading the pack in cycle ride for Barnardo’s

A KEEN cyclist has a special reason for signing up to this weekend’s On Your Bike for Barnardo’s cycle ride.

Amy Young, a children’s services’ manager with Barnardo’s Cymru, sees first-hand the difference the charity makes to vulnerable children and families.

She joined Barnardo’s four years ago to work as a project worker with Atebion, a service in her hometown of Bridgend which supports disabled children and their families.

She said: “We provide group activities to build young people’s confidence and independence workshops and social activities using local clubs so the children are integrated into the local community rather than segregated from it. We help parents develop skills and learn new strategies to be equipped to manage behaviour.

“Our volunteers give up their own time to help our families and that’s why I feel so passionate about joining the bike ride and raising funds to support them in their work. They make a real difference to our families and some volunteers go on to get paid employment. It’s so important that children and families have people who believe in them.”

Amy now manages services across Bridgend, Swansea, and Neath Port Talbot. But she still finds time to cycle several times a week. At weekends, she and a friend take on longer distances.

“The great thing about On Your Bike is that you don’t have to be a dedicated cyclist. It’s not a race or endurance test but a fun event for a good cause,” she added.

The event will take place on Sunday and follows a picturesque 35-mile route through the Vale of Glamorgan, beginning and ending at the Cardiff Devils’ Ice Arena.

Riders who sign up for the event will receive training and fundraising tips. The route will be fully signed and there will be marshals, cycle mechanics and first aiders, water and snack stops. There will also be a post-race party with commemorative T-shirts and goody bags.

To sign up go to www.barnardos. org.uk/south-wales-bike-ride or call 029 2049 3387. Or you can sign up on the day. Just turn up at the Cardiff Devils’ Ice Arena Wales at 7.45am on Sunday. There is a £25 registration fee. Riders need to be 14 or over and under-18s need to have an adult with them.