HUNDREDS of people are expected to turn out for a charity cycle ride from Coventry to London in aid of children in conflict-ridden Gaza.
This year’s Big Ride for Palestine has already attracted 200 people to sign up to undertake the whole 120 mile journey.
Over August 3 to 5, riders will be cycling from Coventry to Northampton on the Friday, Northampton to Luton on Saturday, and will finally arrive together in central London on Sunday.
The ride will start from Millennium Place in the city centre at 11.30am next Friday – after a rally and send off from organisers.
The Big Ride for Palestine is an initiative by supporters of the Palestinian people which combines a love of cycling with practical solidarity and awareness raising.
It has a particular focus on the children who have been affected by the conflicts with Israel in Gaza – a Palestinian self-governing territory.
Since 2015 the annual ride has successfully raised over £100,000 for the Middle East Children’s Alliance (MECA) – which specialises in the rehabilitation of the many children in Gaza who have been traumatised by war.
The Big Ride is mirrored all over the world by cyclists – including in Gaza – who set off at the same time, on the same day.
One Palestinian family, with members from Dubai, Switzerland, Ireland and the UK, is coming together in Coventry to undertake the challenge together.
Sana, along with ten members of her family, have set themselves the target of raising £10,000 for sports equipment for girls in Gaza.
Sana said: “Cycling for three days to travel the distance from Coventry to London is not necessarily easy for all of us.
“But we are all looking forward to such an important event, to meeting people along the way, and engaging with the public.
“It is very little, what we can offer to children in Gaza. That’s the little we are doing this August.”
The family did not want its name to be disclosed in case it impacts on them visiting each other.
To donate go to: www.globalgiving.org/fundraisers/were-on-the-big-ride-for-palestine-2018-1/
