Founding partner Michael Street and partner Stephen Burns will set off on a tandem bike on 2nd June from HideOut Youth Zone’s HQ in Gorton.

Along the way, the cycling duo will visit various lender partners who have generously sponsored this endeavour—and who will be providing a series of welcome pitstops during the three-day excursion.

The team have set a target of £20,000 that they wish to raise for Empower.

A small crew will chart the journey, lender visits, and fundraising progress, in partnership with Medianett Publishing—the official media partner for the challenge.

In addition to the pledges already received, those wishing to donate now can do so via this link.

The charity gives young people from a diverse range of backgrounds access to incredible facilities in a vibrant, purpose-built space packed with engaging activities, the opportunity to make friends, develop new skills, unlock their potential and have fun.

Empower offers passionate and properly funded youth provision: a dedicated partnership between young people, their local community, local authorities and a dedicated following of patrons and supporters.

So far, sponsors include Masthaven, Castle Trust Bank, MS Lending Group, Albatross Lending, Black & White Bridging, Hampshire Trust Bank, Together, MT Finance, and Octane Capital.

Together is supplying their branded minibus to accompany the team during the journey, complete with much-needed refreshments and words of encouragement.

Hampshire Trust Bank are kindly sponsoring the official cycling kit that Michael and Stephen will don during the ride.

The plan is for the ‘finish line’ to be at the Bridging & Commercial Awards at Ditton Manor, Berkshire on 5th June.

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Training has commenced and the pair are excited to experience some of the familiar towns on route like never before—all while raising funds for an important cause.

If you’d like to support this feat of endurance, visit our dedicated Just Giving page, or contact Word On The Street to discuss sponsorship if you’re along the route and would like a (sweaty) visit from the team.

Michael commented: “The Youth Zone offers so much help and support to local, disadvantaged children who live day-to-day in relative poverty with very little life opportunities.

“Having grown up in this area and experienced what it’s like to live on the bread line with a single mother doing everything she could for me and my sister, raising money for this phenomenal charity is the very least we can do to give back to the community. 

“We’d love to really drive awareness during this mission and will be using these lender visits and the accompanying coverage to further our reach online and therefore raise more money for Empower.

“All expenses relating to the challenge are being paid by us, which means your pledge is being donated directly to Empower.

“We really hope you can dig deep to join us for what is bound to be a truly memorable event.”

A spokesperson for HideOut Youth Zone, which is operated by Empower, added: "We’re incredibly grateful to Word On The Street for choosing Empower as their 2025 charity Challenge beneficiary!

“Their ambitious tandem bike ride from Gorton to London is not only an exciting challenge but also a fantastic way to raise vital funds to support young people.

“The dedication and enthusiasm from the team, alongside their corporate sponsors, truly showcase the power of businesses coming together to make a real difference.

“We can’t wait to follow their journey and cheer them on every pedal of the way!"