A RUGBY playing youth worker from Dursley is taking on a 100km cycling challenge to help youth services in the area.

The Door youth project has challenged supporters to walk, run or cycle 100km during May to raise much needed funds to keep its services open.

Kathleen Hanbury, who co-ordinates The Door’s youth work in the Dursley area, said: “As a community youth worker for The Door, I know how important our services are to all the young people and families that use them.

“Like everyone else, so many young people have had their worlds turned upside down because of this pandemic, from young people not being able to do exams after the hard work they have put in or not being able to see their friends.

“There’s also the more vulnerable young people who experience issues at home. Usually they have the freedom to be able to escape those environments to visit friends, family or our youth clubs. Right now they are stuck. These challenging circumstances have presented an uncertainty of what the future might hold for our young people. They are telling us that they are more anxious, worried and confused about their futures.”

The Door team have been working hard to maintain their services and develop news ways to support young people and their families during the pandemic.

“But due to lockdown the charity isn’t receiving its normal income, we’re missing out on £500 every working day,” said Kathleen.

“So I am taking on the 100K in May challenge, cycling 100km, to raise funds for The Door.”

A keen rugby player, Kathleen has been playing with Dursley Rugby Club for seven years.

“I broke my leg near the end of the rugby season, so I am hoping this challenge will also help me both physically and mentally on my road to recovery,” she said.

Sponsor Kathleen via: thedoor.org.uk/kathleen100