An altruistic woman from the Peak District is to cycle through our area to raise awareness and funds for charities closely linked with the cost of living crisis.

Former energy company worker Katy Pearson is cycling through Congleton on Thursday October 13.

She's doing it to raise thousands of pounds for Campaign Against Miserably (CALM) and High Peak Homeless Help.

Her journey will cover over 320 miles and span from Poole in Dorset to the High Peak town of New Mills, meaning the Congleton leg will be within the last 22 miles of her journey.

Katy lived in Macclesfield in the summer, but has since moved to New Mills, and will mark this with a charity cycle from her dad's home in Dorset to her new home in the Derbyshire town. (Image - Katy Pearson)

"I'll be passing through Congleton, Macclesfield and Bollington next Thursday, on the final leg of my journey," she said.

"CALM are a cause incredibly close to my heart, doing life-saving work around suicide prevention. Losing my partner in crime when I was 18 almost destroyed me, a trauma that still shapes who I am. 125 people a week in the UK take their lives, CALM work tirelessly to change that.

"And at the beginning of the pandemic I found myself a very privileged sort of homeless. After sub-letting the flat to go travelling just before lockdown suddenly I had nowhere to go. Moving between temporary places made me so grateful that I had the means to do that, as well as network of friends and family to lean on. I'll never take the roof over my head for granted again.

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"Others don't have that. High Peak Homeless Help give people in need a place to go, providing emergency accommodation through their volunteer network. It felt right to focus on my new community to give back in a way that made a difference."

CALM run a free, confidential and anonymous helpline, offering help, advice and support to anyone who is struggling or in crisis. (Image - CALM)

The former Macclesfield resident will end the gruelling charity cycle in her new home town of New Mills.

"For both causes every penny counts, so whatever you can spare is so appreciated; thank you," she added.

"Your sponsorship will keep me going as I cycle 320+ miles back home."

Congleton: Katy has raised £1,858 of her £2,500 goal thus far. You can donate to her campaign here.

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