A 26-strong team of Christmas NHS cyclists will be travelling (virtually) from Sheffield to Cleethorpes on Friday 15 December to raise £500 for people receiving care for mental health needs.  
 
Each cyclist will take a 20-minute slot on one of three exercise bikes with the aim of covering the 90 miles between Sheffield and the seaside resort.  
 
They will be joined by a support crew cheering them on to the beat of festive tunes (and perhaps the odd mince pie or chocolate treat).  
 
The ride will be held at the Michael Carlisle Centre between 9am and 12pm. The aim of the cycle is to raise money for welcome packs for ethnically diverse service users who are being admitted to mental health wards at Forest Close, Middlewood, Sheffield. The money will allow people with African or Caribbean heritage to receive a pack with bespoke products for afro hair and black skin.  
 
Anyone can donate to help encourage the cyclists in their challenge. If you would like to donate you can do so here. 

Even a small amount will help us on our way to our target.  
 
Juliet Miller is a senior practitioner at Forest Close and suggested money for the packs as a fundraising target. 
 
Juliet said: “The idea came from a service user based on their experience of not having the required products available during their inpatient stay. 
  
“The welcome packs will include specialist skin and hair products. The packs will make a difference to an individual during their hospital stay and it sends the message that we are aware of the needs in terms of personal care and that we are doing something about it.” 
 
Regular updates will be issued across our social media channels during the event. It will be live-streamed on Facebook.  
 
@SHSCFT  
facebook.com/shscft  
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