New-look fundraiser to send more kids on holiday launched

Cosy Direct is hoping to raise more money to send local children on holiday than ever before after launching a brand-new fundraising cycling and hiking event.

Workers at the educational supplier recently got into gear and pulled on their walking boots to mark the launch of the Cosy Child Bike and Hike, which is set to take place on May 17.

The company’s charitable arm, Cosy Foundation, is holding the event to raise money for Derby Kids’ Camp and Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre, which provide holidays for hundreds of underprivileged children from the city each year.

It will incorporate the Skegvegas 100 bike ride, a sponsored cycle ride from Derby to Skegness, alongside a new activity called the Ashbourne Amble, a 20-mile walk from the city to Ashbourne.

Both events will start at Derby Arena on the morning of May 17 with fundraisers free to choose which mode of travel they would prefer to take.

There is also the opportunity to enter corporate teams of four so that work colleagues can share the experience.

Last year’s Skegvegas 100 raised just over £50,000, which was shared by the holiday centre and the kids’ camp.

Event organiser Peter Ellse, chief executive of Cosy Foundation, says he hopes the extra event will help raise even more cash this year.

The holiday centre is focusing this year’s fundraising efforts on coming back “bigger and better” next year, after financial challenges saw this year’s holiday activity put on hold.

Derby Kids’ Camp, meanwhile, is planning five weeks of children’s holidays in 2025, taking 300 young people into the countryside for fresh air and fun over the school holidays.

Peter said: “We were hugely impressed by the enthusiasm everyone has for the Skegvegas 100 bike ride when we took over its organisation last year, but it was very apparent how many people were keen to raise money too, but didn’t fancy cycling that distance.

“We also want to raise awareness of other charities which take local children on holiday every year, so our team got their heads together and came up with the Ashbourne Amble and a new name for the event.

“It means that more people can get involved and we can raise more money for young people who deserve their own summer getaway, whether that’s to the seaside or to the countryside.”

Alan Grimadell, vice president of the Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre, said: “We are absolutely delighted that the team at Cosy are organising the Cosy Child Bike and Hike, incorporating the SkegVegas100 once again.

“Last year’s event was a brilliant success, and the enormous amount of money raised for our charity was hugely beneficial to helping with our running costs.

“We are delighted to once again be benefiting from the support of the Cosy team, which will be a vital part of our Comeback Appeal in 2025 as we prepare for 2026.”

Chris Edwards, chairman of Derby Kids’ Camp, said: “It’s such an honour for Derby Kids’ Camp to be supported by the Cosy Child Bike and Hike again this year.

“Last year the event raised the equivalent funds for well over 120 Derby Kids’ Camp children’s holidays and we can’t wait to see what these amazing events can do support the children in 2025.”

To find out more about the event or to donate, visit www.cosybikeandhike.com.