Hi {First Name},

The countdown is on! In just over five weeks, you’ll be taking on the Canal Cycle Challenge, starting and finishing at St Basils in Digbeth.

Whether you’re gearing up for the challenging 47.5 mile route through Walsall and Wolverhampton or opting for the shorter 23.5 mile ride via Great Barr and Tipton, it’s set to be an unforgettable day on two wheels!

But this challenge is about more than just the ride – it’s about changing lives. Every mile you cycle and every pound you raise will help young people experiencing homelessness find safety, support, and a brighter future. With your efforts, we can ensure no young person has to face homelessness alone.

Over the coming weeks, we’ll be sharing training tips, event day details, and fundraising ideas to help you make the most of the challenge.

 

Why We Do What We Do…

At St Basils, we believe that no young person should have to face homelessness alone. We support 16-25 year olds who are at risk of or experiencing homelessness, providing them with a safe place to stay and the support they need to rebuild their lives.

Homelessness doesn’t just mean sleeping rough – it can mean sofa surfing, temporary accommodation, or being in unsafe living situations. The reasons vary, from family breakdowns and leaving care to mental health struggles and financial hardship. Whatever the cause, we’re here to help.

Through housing, mental health support, employment programmes, and life skills training, we give young people the tools and confidence to move forward. 

Your support makes this possible, and by taking on the Canal Cycle Challenge, you’re helping to change lives.

What You Need To Know…

To help you get fully prepared for the Canal Cycle Challenge, we’ve put together a Fundraising Pack packed with everything you need to know about the event! Inside, you’ll find key details, fundraising tips and important T&Cs to ensure you’re ready for the big day.

Take a moment to read through it and familiarise yourself with the event – it’s your go-to guide for making the most of your challenge. You can download your Canal Cycle Fundraising Pack here.

 

Get Excited For…

Every great challenge deserves a great reward – and at the finish line, you’ll receive your Canal Cycle Challenge medal as a token of your incredible achievement! If this is your first time taking part, it’s a brand-new addition to celebrate your efforts. If you’re a returning cyclist, it’s another well-earned medal to add to your growing collection. Wear it with pride – you’d of earned it!

 

This Week’s Small Task…

Your Enthuse fundraising page is your best tool for raising vital funds – so let’s make it stand out!

Start by adding a profile picture. Upload a photo of yourself or even better, one of you and your bike – to make your page more personal and engaging. A familiar face can encourage more donations from friends, family, and colleagues!

You’ll find the link to your unique fundraising page at the bottom of this email.

 

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That’s it for this week! Thank you again for being part of Canal Cycle Challenge 2025. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please get in touch via: fundraising@stbasils.org.uk.

Team St Basils

 

Hi {First Name},

In just over four weeks, you’ll be gearing up, clipping in, and setting off on an incredible journey along the canals!

But this isn’t just any cycle; it’s a challenge that will test your endurance, fuel your spirit, and make a real difference for young people facing homelessness.

Now’s the time to start preparing your gear and ramping up your fundraising.

Ready to roll? Let’s do this! 

 

Why We Do What We Do…

At St Basils, we believe that no young person should have to face homelessness alone.

Every night, we provide vital accommodation and support to help young people rebuild their lives – but this comes at a cost. 

It takes just £8.93 to cover the shortfall for one night of support for a young person in need. That’s a safe place to sleep, and the guidance to move towards a brighter future.

As you take on the Canal Cycle Challenge, we’re setting you a mission: how many nights can you fund? Could you raise enough for a week? A month?

Every mile you ride and every pound you raise will help change lives.

 

What You Need To Know… ‘Gear Up’ Is Back!

We’re excited to share that our friends at Gear Up will be joining us again at this year’s event! Not only do they provide mentoring sessions for vulnerable young people in our community, but they’re also experts at keeping bikes in top condition.

Whether your bicycle needs a little pre-ride pampering or you run into trouble along the route, Gear Up will be on hand to help.

 

Get Excited For… Meeting Your Community!

One of the best parts of the Canal Cycle Challenge isn’t just the ride – it’s the people you’ll meet along the way. From fellow cyclists and local companies to families and friends, you’ll be part of a community that cares.

Whether you’re cycling solo or as part of a team, you won’t be alone – expect plenty of encouragement, camaraderie, and maybe even a few new cycling buddies by the time you cross the finish line!

 

This Week’s Small Task…

A direct message can go a long way! This week, we challenge you to personally reach out to friends, family, and colleagues and ask for their support. A simple message can make all the difference – people are far more likely to donate when asked directly. To make it easy, here’s a template you can copy, paste, and send:

Hey [Name}. On the 26th April, I’m taking on St Basils Canal Cycle Challenge to support young people facing homelessness. Just £8.93 can provide a young person with a safe place to stay for the night. If you can, could you sponsor me so that we can fund as many nights as possible? Every little bit makes a huge difference! You can donate here: [Insert Fundraising Link]. Thank you so much! 

Challenge yourself to send at least five messages this week. That could be enough to reach your target! 

 

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That’s it for this week! Thank you again for being part of Canal Cycle Challenge 2025. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please get in touch via: fundraising@stbasils.org.uk.

Team St Basils

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Hi {First Name},

We hope you’ve had a great week – especially with the sunshine making an appearance!

With just three weeks to go until the Canal Cycle Challenge, this weekend is the perfect time to get out on your bike and get some training in. Whether it’s a short ride to build confidence or a longer cycle to test your endurance, every bit of preparation will help you enjoy the challenge even more.

And remember, this ride is about more than just the miles – it’s about changing lives. Every pound you raise helps young people facing homelessness access the support they need to build a brighter future.

If you need a recap of any details we’ve shared so far in our previous mailers, you can find everything you need here: Previous Supporter Mailers.

 

Why We Do What We Do…

In 2024, it was estimated that every four minutes, a young person became homeless in the UK. That’s the reality we’re up against.

Last year alone, 118,134 young people sought help from their local council because they were homeless or at risk. Yet, shockingly, 1 in 3 young people who reached out for support weren’t even assessed.

Homelessness isn’t just numbers – it’s real young people, in our communities, facing uncertainty every single day.

In the West Midlands alone, 7,603 young people were left without a safe place to call home last year.

That’s why St Basils exists, and that’s why your fundraising matters. Every mile you ride and every donation you raise helps provide life-changing support to young people, giving them the stability, skills, and opportunities they need to rebuild their lives.

 

What You Need To Know… Update For Long Route!

We’ve recently updated the Canal Cycle Challenge event pack, so be sure to check it out!

One key addition is for those tackling the long route – you’ll be cycling through a tunnel along the way, and for safety reasons, a head torch is required. This will help ensure you can see clearly and navigate the tunnel safely.

If you haven’t already got one, now’s the time to grab one and add it to your kit list!

You can find the updated event pack here: CCC Updated Event Pack.

 

Get Excited For…

This isn’t just a cycling challenge – it’s a chance to connect with the people who make St Basils what it is! From the fundraising team who help bring events like this to life, to our incredible frontline staff who work directly with young people facing homelessness, we’ll be there to chat, cheer you on, and share more about the difference you’re making.

Want to hear about the impact of your fundraising? Need tips for smashing your final donations? Just fancy a good natter before hopping back on your bike? We’re here for all of it. Come and say hello – we can’t wait to meet you!

 

This Week’s Small Task: Double Your Fundraising!

Did you know your workplace might be able to double your fundraising with match funding? Many employers offer to match the amount their staff raise for charity – sometimes pound for pound! It’s an easy way to boost your total and help provide even more support for young people facing homelessness.

This week, take a moment to check if your company has a match funding scheme. Here’s how:

✅ Ask your HR or CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) team if they offer match funding.
✅ If they do, find out what you need to do – sometimes it’s as simple as filling out a form!
✅ Let us know if you need any support making the ask – we’re happy to help.

A quick conversation could instantly double your impact – so why not give it a go? 

 

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That’s it for this week! Thank you again for being part of Canal Cycle Challenge 2025. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please get in touch via: fundraising@stbasils.org.uk.

Team St Basils

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Hi {FIRST NAME},

With just over 2 weeks to go… it’s time to shift up a gear!

Your registration fee has covered the cost of taking part – which includes route planning, bike maintenance and a finish line curry – but it’s your fundraising that goes directly towards supporting Young People facing homelessness. That’s the heart of why we’re here and why we’re putting on this event.

Right now, only 18% of sign-ups have started to fundraise.

So this week, we’re keeping things simple. We’re asking just one thing…

Take a moment this weekend to share your fundraising page with friends, family, colleagues — whoever you can!

A quick direct message, a social media post, or a WhatsApp group share can make all the difference. Every donation, big or small, helps us be there for young people when they need us most.

Let’s make every mile count.

Here’s a message for you to copy, paste and edit if needed. See attached an image for you to include in your message, which we suggest using alongside a picture of you and your bike!

I’m taking on the Canal Cycle Challenge! 

This isn’t just my usual bike ride – I’m cycling to raise vital funds for St Basils, a charity working to prevent Youth Homelessness right here in the West Mids.

Every year, St Basils supports over 4,000 young people aged 16-25 who are either homeless or at risk of homelessness – providing not just safe accommodation, but also support, skills and opportunities to help them build a brighter future.

I’d love to provide as many safe nights as possible through this challenge.

If you can spare a donation, big or small, it would mean the world. You’ll be helping a young person feel safe, supported, and hopeful for what’s next.

[Insert your fundraising link here, which you’ll find at the bottom of this mailer.]

Thank you so much for any support.

That’s it for this week! Thank you again for being part of Canal Cycle Challenge 2025. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please get in touch via: fundraising@stbasils.org.uk.

Team St Basils

P.s, If you need a recap of any details we’ve shared so far in our previous mailers, you can find everything you need here: Previous Supporter Mailers.

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Hi {FIRST NAME},

The wheels are turning and there’s now just over one week to go until the Canal Cycle Challenge!

A huge thank you to everyone who responded and started fundraising following last week’s mailer. 30% of registrations are now fundraising, so this week, we’re asking everyone to keep up the momentum.

If you haven’t shared your page yet (or if it’s been a little while), now’s the time to give it a quick post, ping it in the group chat, or drop it into a conversation – every share brings you closer to your target and supports our Young People. 

What You Need To Know: Sneak Peak At This Year’s Route!

Want to get a feel for what’s in store on challenge day? Our Head of Fundraising, Barrie Hodge, has been out and about visiting this year’s route – and he’s filmed a short video to give you the inside scoop.

Here are some quick tips / highlights from the video:

• Expect different terrains (Barrie discusses particular areas).
• Please do not use a road bike. We recommend a mountain bike.
• Wearing a helmet is essential for tunnels, and please pack a head tourch.
• Bring a puncture kit, spare tube and other repair essentials.

Watch the full video here.

 

Get Excited For… The Easter Break!

As we head into the long weekend, we hope all our amazing riders enjoy a well-deserved Easter break with loved ones – filled with chocolate, chill time, and maybe even a couple of sunny bike rides too!

It’s also the perfect chance to drop a message to family and friends and let them know about your challenge.

From all of us at St Basils, we wishing you a very Happy Easter and a restful weekend ahead.

 

That’s it for this week! Thank you again for being part of Canal Cycle Challenge 2025. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please get in touch via: fundraising@stbasils.org.uk.

Team St Basils

P.s, If you need a recap of any details we’ve shared so far in our previous mailers, you can find everything you need here: Previous Supporter Mailers.

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Hi {FIRST NAME},

It’s nearly here! This Saturday, you’ll be taking on the St Basils Canal Cycle Challenge to help prevent Youth Homelessness in the West Mids. 

See below some important event information and final tips to help you prepare for the challenge ahead.

Weather Watch: Saturday’s Forecast

The latest forecast for Saturday suggests light rain in the early morning, with overcast conditions by late morning. Temperatures are expected to reach a high of 14°C.

While it’s not looking like a washout, it’s wise to be prepared for some damp conditions. We recommend packing a lightweight waterproof jacket and ensuring your gear is ready for potential wet weather.

Here’s your final checklist to make sure you’re good to go:

✅ Bring your phone – and don’t forget a charger or power bank.
✅ Pop your phone in a plastic bag – handy if it rains!
✅ Bike lights – front and rear.
✅ Water bottle – stay hydrated.
✅ Snacks – just in case you get hungry out on the route.

There are checkpoints along the way, but there are also some long, peaceful stretches where you’ll be on your own, so pack smart.

A few more important reminders…

You’ll be sharing the canal with other cyclists, walkers, and possibly a few grumpy geese! Please ride respectfully and give everyone plenty of space.

As stated in the T&Cs, you must be able to dismount and walk your bike if necessary, so please wear appropriate footwear for walking. Look out for signs from the Canal & River Trust – some areas are dismount zones and must be respected for everyone’s safety.

For full T&Cs, take a final look at your Canal Cycling Challenge Event Pack.

Make sure your bike is ready to roll…

As stated in the T&Cs, you must ensure that your bike is in good working order.

✅ Are your tyres suitable for towpath terrain?
✅ Is your bell or horn working?
✅ Is your bike in good working order for the distance?

Last minute checks are always useful, and whilst we have the wonderful team from Gear Up Cycles with us on the day, the ultimate responsibility for your bike falls to you so please be mindful.

And finally… Fundraising!

Your support is vital as we raise funds to prevent Youth Homelessness in the West Mids.

Please continue to share your fundraising page with your friends, family and colleagues! What you are about to undertake isn’t easy. Be proud of what you are about to do.

You’ll find your fundraising page link at the bottom of this email. 

On behalf of all the young people your fundraising will benefit, thank you. 

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We can’t wait to meet you all on Saturday! If you’ve got any questions between now and then, just pop us an email at fundraising@stbasils.org.uk.

Team St Basils

P.s, If you need a recap of any details we’ve shared so far in our previous mailers, you can find everything you need here: Previous Supporter Mailers.

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