Moved by the current situation in Afghanistan, Burton Bradstock resident Bernie Delahunty is taking on a gruelling cycle ride to raise money for a local charity.

Bernie, who is in his sixties, is getting on his bike to complete the Fred Whitton Challenge on September 19, a tough 113-mile route around the Lake District, which includes all the Lakeland passes, one with a 30 per cent gradient.

He is taking on one of the most physically gruelling events in the UK to raise money for Bridport Refugee Support Campaign.

Bernie said: "The Fred Whitton may be tough, but it's only one day and I am lucky to have a home to go to. Refugees have fled their homes ad countries and are desperate to have somewhere that their families can live safely, grow and work in.

"When I heard of the Bridport Refugee Support Campaign and attended some of its events, I knew I wanted to try and help. I have never known the traumas that they have suffered, but with your support I can raise some money to home a family in a safe place, where they can be welcomed into the community and helped to make a 'home' again.

"The refugees I have met are all survivors. They have much to offer their host communities, and if ever I had to flee my home and country, I would hope people would show me the kindness and compassion that I see demonstrated in the volunteers in the Bridport group. Please help if you can."

Bernie added that this is the hardest ride he has attempted in the last 10 years, but it is for a great cause, which is close to his heart.

Bridport Refugee Support Campaign is a registered charity and was set up to resettle a refugee family in the town. It has raised £16,000 of the £19,000 needed to support the integration of the family into Bridport.

The charity is applying to the Home Office's Refugee Resettlement Scheme - which was originally for Syrian families coming from camps but has been relaunched with a wider remit - in October.

Alan Weston, one of the volunteer trustees of the charity, said: "This is an amazing offer by Bernie to support the charity which has worked tirelessly through lockdown to get us the point where we hope to submit our application for a family in October.

"All the trustees under the co-ordination of Barry Lovejoy owe a vote of thanks to Bernie and hope his efforts will inspire us.

"The terrible plight we have just seen in Afghanistan makes me realise if it were me who had been forced to become a refugee, I would pray for more groups like ours to form to welcome us to a safe home."

Barry Lovejoy, chairman of trustees at Bridport Refugee Support Campaign, said: "Since the appalling news from Afghanistan has again highlighted the plight of refugees, we have been pleased to see more local residents indicating support for our campaign.

"People have been very generous but prices for rented accommodation in West Dorset seem to be at record levels beyond any caps, so please support Bernie's ride for refugees if you can, it means a lot for us and for them is a real lifeline."

To support Bernie and to donate, visit crowdfunder.co.uk

For more information about the Bridport Refugee Support Campaign, visit bridportrefugee.org.uk

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