Friends ride for ‘Freedom from Torture’
The 865-mile ‘Cycle Against Torture’ ride, which started on 1 July, stops off at several Quaker Meeting houses
Two Quakers are part of a group of cyclists making an epic trek from Hastings to Edinburgh to raise awareness and funds for ‘Freedom from Torture’.
The 865-mile ‘Cycle Against Torture’ ride, which started on 1 July, stops off at several Quaker Meeting houses, including Oxford, Birmingham, Central Manchester, Lancaster and Kendal. Supporting events include performances of Feeding the Darkness by Journeymen Theatre.
Quaker Carolyn Burch, who is taking part in the ride with her husband Richard Raggett, told the Friend: ‘There are nineteen stages altogether and we’re cycling three of them – one from Lancaster to Kendal along the canal route, while another group is doing the hilly route. Quakers are hosting us at both ends, putting on a meal and giving us a chance to talk about the charity’s work. A former refugee is also taking part who now works in Glasgow doing interpreting work for Freedom from Torture.’
The two Friends from St Andrews Meeting are also following the rest of the ride in their camper van, providing events back-up and bag transport. The couple said they had been inspired by a holiday-hosting scheme for refugees they take part in, run by the charity.
Antony Froggett, co-clerk from Central Manchester Meeting, told the Friend that ‘during the cyclists’ well-earned rest in Manchester on 15 July’, the group hosted a talk by an ‘Expert by Experience’ former client of the charity.
The cycle itinerary includes Hastings, Brighton, London, Maidenhead, Oxford, Milton Keynes, Daventry, Birmingham, Stoke on Trent, Manchester, Lancaster, Kendal, Alton, Newcastle, Wooler, Tweedbank Station, Lanark, Glasgow and Falkirk, finishing in Edinburgh on 28 July.
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