Two charity workers are set to spend seven nights under the stars on a sponsored walk across Cumbria to raise cash to help homeless young people in Norwich find a proper bed for the night.
Next month YMCA Norfolk housing manager Martin Rye and his colleague deputy housing manager Keith Willers will walk the 75-mile long Cumbria Way.
As part of the challenge, they will camp under the stars each night and will carry all their supplies from the start. The duo hope to raise �1,500 to help build the new YMCA Norfolk Bethel Street accommodation scheme in Norwich.
'Young people can often end up homeless through no fault of their own,' said Mr Rye. 'They often have no choice but to sleep rough in the cold with nothing to keep themselves warm.
'While we are out in the hills of the Lake District someone is sleeping rough on the streets of Norwich, Bradford, Cardiff and so many other places.
'We are seeking to help solve a small part of the problem of homelessness – that is to provide a safe and warm bed in a secure building with staff that care and can offer support.'
The fundraising walk will start on March 14 and the two men will pay all their expenses and use their own time and annual leave to undertake the challenge. Every pound donated will go towards the YMCA Norfolk Brick Appeal. As previously reported, YMCA Norfolk needs to raise �1m for the new 40 self-contained units for homeless young people being built at the back of St Giles building.
As part of the redevelopment project, which is being carried out by Lovell, people are being urged to buy one or more of the 70,000 bricks that will be required for the complex. Just �1 will cover the cost of each brick, mortar and labour required for the development.
Mr Rye added: 'All we are asking is for people to sponsor us at least �1 which will pay for one brick towards the �70,000 we need to raise as part of the total to help build the new modern building that will make such a difference, offering a roof and warm bed for homeless young people.'
To sponsor the duo, go to www.justgiving.com/ YMCA-Norfolk-Cumbria-Way-Walk
Are you undertaking a challenge for charity? Call reporter Kate Scotter on 01603 772326 or email kate.scotter@archant.co.uk
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