#RideForFreedom2019, a 10-day charity cycle ride around England and Wales (Cardiff), powers in to central London on Anti-Slavery Day, Friday 18 October. Baroness Young of Hornsey OBE, who leads the APPG on Ethics and Sustainability in Fashion, will welcome the cyclists on their arrival at the north west corner of Westminster Bridge at 1pm.
Organised by Gordon Miller, CEO of Sustain Worldwide, a keen leisure cyclist, week one headed north from Watford to Manchester, via Cambridge, Corby, Nottingham, Barnsley and Elland. The second week departed Bristol for Cardiff, pedaled on to Stroud, Didcot, Bracknell and concludes in London later today.
The 800km ride, which commenced on 7 October, fundraises for Unseen and Hope for Justice. The UK based charities support the rehabilitation of the survivors of modern slavery, equip front line agencies and businesses with training advice and resources, and influence government and society to inspire change in legislation and policy.
Miller says: “Someone recently asked me why I’m organising and participating in #RideForFreedom2019. It’s simple: modern slavery is a heinous crime; it’s aligned with the work my communications business, Sustain Worldwide, does; I like to set myself one audacious challenge each year – this is the biggest yet; cycling is my sport thing and it gives me a goal to aim for.
“There are an estimated 13,000 people who are held as modern day slaves in the UK – although many believe these figures to be lower than the reality. When survivors are recovered they require a safe place, support and guidance to begin their rehabilitation. It costs £3,000 a month to support one woman in an Unseen safe house.”
The cyclists have visited several places, towns and cities on route that have a relevance to the anti-slavery movement. The ride started from BRE in Watford, and droped in for photo calls at the home of the Rights Lab at Nottingham University, Marshalls near Halifax, Hope for Justice in Manchester, Unseen in Bristol and the University of South Wales at Cardiff.
More than a dozen riders have cycled one or more of the stages alongside Miller who will ride them all. To date, 11 have pledged to ride the final stage into central London today on the annual Anti-Slavery Day.
Miller says: “From what began as an idea in my head, while on a ride on a cold day last December, my motivation has been kept high throughout the months of training by the support and encouragement of many others. I’ve cycled a few thousand kilometres during training and I can’t wait to start the ride to raise more awareness and funds to support survivors of modern slavery.”