A SKIPTON therapist is to take part in a gruelling 85km cycling challenge to raise funds for Horton Housing Association’s Craven Homeless Hub.

Lisa Milnor, a Mindfulness Teacher and Yoga Therapist based in Skipton, heard about Horton Housing through being approached to hold some mindfulness sessions for its Craven clients.

She said: “I am wanting to raise awareness of the fact that even when you are in an idyllic part of the world, not everyone has a roof over their heads.

“We can be blissfully unaware of what people are having to deal with.”

Lisa will take part in the Hope Pre Peaks Cyclocross Challenge on Sunday, August 19.

The 85km/52.8-mile route starts at the Hope Technology factory in Barnoldswick and loops around the Yorkshire Dales, with on and off-road sections, some parts requiring participants to carry their bikes.

“I wanted a challenge and I wanted to get fitter,” she said.

“I am lucky that I can go out of my back door and cycle around the Dales.”

Lisa hopes to raise £500 for Horton through the event. She can be sponsored via her Localgiving page - localgiving.org/fundraising/lisaprepeaks/

Hannah Brown, Craven Scheme Manager at Horton Housing, said: “We are very privileged that Lisa has chosen to fundraise for us.

"Any money raised will make a huge difference to the lives of those we support through the homeless hub.”

The hub, at Pinder Housing in Skipton, provides daytime support, including group activities and a daily drop-in for rough sleepers and those in housing need.

A range of support services from Horton are available, as well as sessions from local agencies, such as North Yorkshire Horizons and Christians Against Poverty.

Staff also provide outreach support – if they are notified of a rough sleeper they will offer them support or a room, if one is available. There are also ten units of temporary accommodation.