A TEAM of fit fundraisers from Foster Care Associates are limbering up for a two-day cycle challenge that will see them ride the 137 miles from Abergele in North Wales to Bromsgrove in a bid to raise funds for the Rees Foundation.

The 14 cyclists from the organisation's Abergele office will set off this Tuesday, September 16, travelling to Bromsgrove and collecting more cyclists en route at Wrexham, Shrewsbury and Dudley before finishing the trip on Wednesday, September 17.

David Harcourt, one of FCA’s National Foster Carer Forum reps, is leading the challenge.

He said: "This cycle ride is part of a much bigger fundraising initiative. In February 2015, several FCA carers and staff, myself included, will be climbing Mount Kilimanjaro to raise money for the Rees Foundation.

"With this feat comes a huge fundraising challenge as each participant has to raise more than £4,000. To try and achieve that, we've been organising a range of money-raising activities. We've arranged everything from pop-up restaurants and charity karaoke nights to sponsored abseils, but we are constantly looking for more opportunities to raise more money and awareness of our goal.

"I actually first came up with the idea of the bike ride from Abergele to FCA's Bromsgrove head office in a dream, but after telling a few people about it, I was overwhelmed by the response.

"Within weeks we had a route and dates confirmed. The two-day ride will see us travel via three other FCA offices to hook up with more cyclists, along with an overnight stay in Shrewsbury."

All funds raised from the bike ride and the gruelling climb up Africa's highest peak next year will be donated to the Rees Foundation, a charity dedicated to supporting care leavers and adults with care experience. The charity was established by Jan Rees, who co-founded FCA 20 years ago.

The foundation exists to ensure that young people and adults who have had foster care or residential care experience get the support that they need during their transition into adult life and beyond.

The team will leave from the Abergele office on the North Wales Business Park at 8am on Tuesday, and are expected to arrive at FCA HQ at Malvern View, Saxon Business Park, Hanbury Road at 4pm on Wednesday, where they will be greeted by Jan Rees to celebrate their achievement.

Anyone wishing to support the team in their quest can do so at www.justgiving.com/cymru2central/