THOUSANDS of people are expected to take part in this year’s Examiner Charity Challenge.
And organisers hope this year will be bigger and better than ever.
The annual family day will include walks, cycle and horse rides to raise money for local and national charities.
More than £40,000 was raised last year and a staggering £500,000 has been donated to worthy causes since the Charity Challenge launched.
Bob Armitage from the Huddersfield Lions Clubs said: “Our main aim is to raise as much as we can for as many charities as we can.
“The day is really enjoyable for all who take part. It gives people the chance to spend time with their family and do something to help others.
“We have events tailored for all the family and some for more experienced walkers and cyclers.”
This year there are 12 nominated charities, including the Forget Me Not Trust, Laura Crane Trust and Kirkwood Hospice.
But participants can walk, cycle or ride in aid of any charity of their choice, with 89 causes benefiting last year including junior football groups and play groups.
Mr Armitage added: “This is a chance for folk to do whatever they can to support a cause close to their heart.
“It can generate an amazing amount of money; we can really make a big difference.”
All the events will take place on Sunday, May 18, at the Meltham Sports and Community Centre and at Blackmoorfoot Reservoir.
There will be a number of routes for people of all levels of fitness and ability.
There will be two walks – a family-friendly three-and-a- half mile walk and a more challenging seven mile walk.
Four bike rides will be held, including a 16-mile ride for keen cyclers and a short route for all the family.
There is also a 48-mile mountain climb for the more adventurous as well as a 10 to 14-mile horse ride.
A wheelchair and buggy walk will also be held around Blackmoorfoot Reservoir.
The four Huddersfield Lions Clubs – Colne Valley, Denby Dale, Holmfirth and Meltham and Huddersfield– as well as the Brighouse club are helping to organise the event.
They are being supported by the Examiner, Kirklees Bridleways Group, Kirklees Council and the CLC cycling touring club.
Organisers are holding a launch night for interested charities to find out more.
This will take place at Dalton Grange, Bradley Mills Road, Huddersfield, on February 25.
Application forms will be available in the Examiner and from the Examiner office at Queen Street South after February 25.
For more information or to sign up contact Bob Armitage on 07802 900 653 or email him at ejarla@tiscali.co.uk
