CVST workers cycle 233 miles in charity challenge

TENDRING charity workers pedalled more than 100 miles each in a month-long cycling challenge.
Shirley Barrell and Lorraine King, both employees of Community Voluntary Services Tendring (CVST), cycled a collective 233 miles throughout July to raise money for the charity.   Having initially committed to cycling 100 miles each, the pair exceeded their target by an extra 33 miles between them.  Their efforts raised more than £800 for CVST initiatives in the Harwich and Clacton area.

Shirley Barrell, who came up with the idea for the challenge, said: “The charity has done so much for me, and everyone here is so helpful and wonderful. I wanted to find a way to give something back and to help more people. The cycle challenge gave me a personal goal by getting out on the bike more than I ever have and at the same time allowed me to support CVST and all the residents we help as a charity. Thank you to everyone who has sponsored me – it means so much.”

Lorraine King, CVST’s communications manager, was equally enthusiastic, having cycled 118 miles. She said: “100 miles to cycle when you have work and a family can be a hard challenge, but we did it. When I first heard Shirley’s idea of the challenge, I couldn’t wait to ask if I could join her – I turned 40 this year and wanted to give myself something to work towards. I had great fun completing the 118 miles and am now looking for my next challenge.”

The dedication and effort of Shirley and Lorraine did not go unnoticed by CVST.  Chief officer Lisa Andrews expressed her gratitude for their commitment to the cause. She said: “We really do rely on funding for everything we do across Tendring, from our walks and cycle rides, craft groups and friendship cafes, dementia support groups, and for the work we do to help our charities and community groups in the local area. I’m so grateful for Shirley and Lorraine for doing this cycle challenge and raising such an incredible amount of money for CVST. They’ve done us proud. The money will be such a great support for our work, so a huge thank you to everyone who donated.”