This year, for the 29th Liverpool-Chester-Liverpool Bike Ride, the NSPCC has been announced as the new headline charity partner.
3000+ Cyclists across Liverpool and the North West will whiz through the Queensway Tunnel in the LCL Bike Ride on Sunday 3 July and pedal for purpose as they raise thousands of pounds in vital funds for the NSPCC, all of which will go towards helping children and families across Merseyside.
Alissa Koopal, Chief Executive Officer of Pennine Events, owners of the LCL Bike Ride said, “We’re delighted to announce the NSPCC as this year’s headline partner charity and can’t wait to see thousands of cyclists strap on their helmets and power up their pedals for such a fantastic cause.
It is particularly exciting as NSPCC was founded in Liverpool, and many of their services, such as Childline still remain to headquarter there. As part of this partnership, we have ensured free places for all children under 15, and continue to be an all-abilities and non-competitive event – to promote cycling, healthy living and also- community for all”
“The LCL Bike Ride last year was one of the first mass participation events since the return of live events due to the pandemic and it was an incredible celebration of the return of sporting events in the region. We can’t wait to do it all again this year with some exciting additions including a brand-new festival village at Chester FC as well as our Exchange Flags finish village with food, drinks and music for all.
“There are eight routes to choose from, so whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or looking for a family day out, there’s something for everyone. Plus, you know all the money raised will go to help children and young people here in the North West.”
In 2021, the event raised £72,000+ for local causes.
The NSPCC relies on public donations for the majority of its funding, and money raised through the LCL Bike Ride will go directly to support NSPCC campaigns and services in Liverpool.
Founded in Liverpool over 135 years ago, the NSPCC works tirelessly to protect children and prevent abuse in Merseyside and across the UK. Practitioners, volunteers and specially trained Childline counsellors based in Great Homer Street work with families and children across the region, as well as visiting schools and working with businesses in the area to help protect children in the area.
Throughout the pandemic, the NSPCC has developed new services to help families, campaigned to change laws, shared information about abuse and how to recognise it, and developed new tools to support children, parents, carers and professionals.
In recent months, the charity has teamed up with local authorities in Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton, St Helens and Wirral to launch the Look, Say, Sing, Play campaign, helping new parents across the region build stronger bonds with their babies. The charity has also launched its Pregnancy In Mind service in the area to support parents experiencing anxiety or depression during pregnancy.
Meanwhile, counsellors at the Liverpool Childline base continue to offer vital support to young people, with concerns including school pressures, cyberbullying, and the war in Ukraine, and practitioners for the NSPCC helpline offer advice and support to parents who are worried about children’s wellbeing.
Janette Drew, NSPCC Community Fundraising Manager for Cheshire, said, “We are so grateful to the Liverpool-Chester-Liverpool Bike Ride for naming us their headline charity partner this year, and are looking forward to seeing everyone joining the ride to raise vital funds for the NSPCC’s work.
“The charity was founded in Liverpool, and our links here have never been stronger, with our Childline and helpline services operating from the Hargreaves Centre, and new campaigns and services supporting families across Merseyside. We rely on public donations for the majority of our funding, so every mile cycled in support of the NSPCC during this year’s ride will make a real difference to families across the North West.”
Janette said, “It’s free for young people to get in touch with Childline, but costs £4 to for our counsellors to answer a call. Every pound raised can really go a long way and will help us offer support to young people whenever they need it.
“Being able to cycle through the tunnel after it has been closed off to traffic will be a really special treat, and we can’t wait to see riders out there enjoying themselves for a good cause.”
To find out more about the LCL Bike Ride, go to www.liverpoolchesterliverpool.com 
or visit the NSPCC website.
For more information on how you can support the NSPCC, either by fundraising, donating, volunteering or simply sharing the charity’s messaging, go to www.nspcc.org.uk
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