Get smart and saddle up for big charity ride

TWO positives to come from the last 18 months have been the increase in people coming together to support their local community and the innovative ways we’ve found to stay connected.

Charity Smart Works is challenging people to use this spirit of coming together to pedal for a purpose in a timed cycle fundraiser for International Women’s Day, in March.

Last year, the Greater Manchester community rose to this challenge, raising a record £54,000, funding the charity’s work for 6 months, supporting unemployed women to ‘get the clothes, get the confidence, get the job.’

Stockport-based businesses including Music Magpie and Delaney Motors have already signed-up to support the challenge.

Music Magpie’s CEO Steve Oliver said:“The team found it to be a great bonding exercise and being able to help women reach their full potential, secure employment and change the trajectory of their lives, is something we are incredibly passionate about.”

Three reasons to sign-up to Smart Work’s annual Cycle for Smart Works fundraising challenge: ●●You’ll have fun

Teams of five together or separately ride 500 miles in a week. It’s a great reason to meet up with friends, gym buddies, colleagues, perhaps at the gym or out exploring your local area exploring the flat Cheshire Lanes, the hills of the Peak

District or the gravel trails to Disley. ●●You’ll get fit

500 miles as a team of five. That’s 100 miles each. That’s 14.28 miles a day. You can do it. Maybe you want to start getting a bit fitter in advance. We have tips from British Cycling to help you get in shape. ●●You’ll change lives

Smart Works supports unemployed women from across Greater Manchester through pre-employment coaching and interview styling. This enables women to feel confident and positive, helping them to secure employment and transform their lives.

Learn more at: https:// greatermanchester. smartworks.org.uk/