Teams from across the country’s business community have raised more than £15,000 to help end youth homelessness in the UK, in the most successful Carter Jonas LandAid Pedalthon to date.  This brings the total raised over the last four years by the annual cycle to more than £40,000.

On Friday 12 May, more than 350 cyclists representing more than 160 companies tackled either the 80-mile Yorkshire Challenge or the 40-mile Social route through picturesque Yorkshire countryside as part of the Yorkshire Post backed Tour de France legacy ride.

LandAid currently supports 27 projects in the UK including five in Yorkshire where there are more than 32,000* families and individuals homeless or at risk of becoming so. Money raised will be used to help renovate empty or derelict properties, bringing them back into use as safe, affordable homes.

Paul Morrish, Chief Executive of LandAid, said: “Huge thanks to everyone who pedalled for LandAid, and to Carter Jonas for organising another terrific event. Our programme of support for young people facing homelessness, be it in Yorkshire or right across the UK, relies on fundraising to continue and everyone who participated by slogging round the 40 or 80-mile route or helped out has provided a valuable contribution. Thank you!”

Mark Granger, Chief Executive of Carter Jonas, said: “Thank you to everyone who helped to make this years’ Carter Jonas LandAid Pedalthon such an enormous success. It is always a pleasure to see people coming together to raise money for a good cause; that they did so with such enthusiasm and good spirit is testament to all the hard work put in by those involved in the organisation of the event.

“Once again we are lucky to have had the support of a number of fantastic sponsors, including some of the region’s best food producers, providing some much needed sustenance to riders along the route. I’m very pleased that we have been able to showcase some of Yorkshire finest produce as well as its breath-taking scenery; all whilst raising awareness and money for such an important a charity as LandAid.”

A grab and go station at Lofthouse and full food stop at The George at Wath were available to the 80-mile challenge riders, and riders of both routes re-fuelled at Studley Royal Cricket Club where hot food was available. Local Yorkshire food producers T&R Theakston Ltd., Yorkshire Tea, The Wensleydale Creamery, Heck Food, Appleton’s Butchers, Yorkshire Provender, Brymor Ice Cream, Dine and Baltzersen’s were just some of the companies supporting the ride with locally sourced seasonal high-energy food and drink.

Organised by Iconic Cycling Events, this year’s Pedalthon was the fourth annual event and the next ride is scheduled for May 2018.

Yorkshire Pedalthon riders who completed the course received a medal and enjoyed a post-ride barbecue with a well-earned pint of Theakston’s ale.

For further details visit www.yorkshirepedalthon.co.uk