In November of last year, the Countrystyle team proposed an epic challenge for charity to Countrystyle staff, business partners and friends. That challenge? A 260-mile bike ride from Pluckley to Paris in aid of The Young Lives Foundation.
The Young Lives Foundation is a close partner of Countrystyle and they have been in operation in Kent for 18 years. They offer a wide range of services for children and young people in Kent who come from foster homes or situations where life has not offered them the same opportunities as others. With youth groups, mentorship programmes, befriending services and advocacy, their services cater directly to helping young people where they need it the most. Their work transforms lives, helping young people feel valued, heard, and empowered to build brighter futures.
Members of staff from Countrystyle were joined by our sister companies, FGS Agri & Four Jays, friends and members of local Kent businesses to take on the 260-mile ride. On 9th May 2025, a total of 19 cyclists took to the road at 4:30am at Stamford Bridge Farm in Pluckley whilst the sun was still rising, all determined to raise money and make a difference in the lives of young people in Kent.
The first day was time management and distance led, with a deadline to meet at Dover and the longest ride of the trip to cover once they hit the shores of Calais. It was about pushing through the first bought of sore legs to get to Abbeville in one piece, knowing that the longest day was done, and they were well on their way to Paris. Day two was through to picturesque Chantilly. Bright sunshine and countryside views were their companion, as were chateaux lunch breaks and then a team meal to close out the day before they made their way to Paris. Day three was onto Paris, high spirits and tired legs pushed them all the way as they reformed their peloton to arrive together in the shadow of the Eifel Tower. On their arrival at the tower, the fundraiser hit the £50,000 target they had hoped to achieve.
On completing the ride, Countrystyle’s CEO, Martin Heathcote said “It was a journey full of ups and downs, but we made memories to last a lifetime. We smashed our original target thanks to all the generous people who donated. So far, we’ve raised more than £50k which is completely overwhelming.
“The help this will give to these children really is life-changing and will make a massive impact. I’m so grateful for people really getting behind us to make this a truly memorable moment – arriving at the Eiffel Tower together as one team made me extremely proud.”
Raising over £50,000 is an incredible achievement and it is the biggest fundraiser that has been achieved for YLF in their 18 years. The funds we have raised will go a long way to helping so many. A visit from a YLF mentor is just under £40 per visit. Over a period of 6 months, weekly visits from a Mentor total £950. Around £30k means 32 young people can receive mentorship for 6 months. It also means that the youth groups can provide106 hours of support for each young person at a youth group for a full year.
We would like to thank the cyclists from Countrystyle, FGS Agri, Four Jays, AT Bone, Chartway Group, WB Chambers, Hazport, Sharpsmart, National Grid, Pumpkin Moon, RM Cycles and Soil Link for taking part in this incredible challenge!
If you would like to know more about The Young Lives Foundation, click here, or to donate to our fundraiser click here
