The Big Ride 2018
Over 180 Labour, Trades Union and other activists will be cycling 120 miles together 3rd -5th August as part of The Big Ride for Palestine 2018.
Many of us from Manchester CLPs and across the North West have been involved in the organisation of this year’s ride, The Big Ride for Palestine, to raise awareness about the occupation of Palestine, and money to support the rehabilitation of children affected by the war in Gaza.
We are joining hundreds of other riders this summer to take part in The Big Ride for Palestine on 3 – 5th August 2018. The Big Ride is an initiative set up by cyclists and supporters of Palestine that aims to raise awareness for the Palestinian cause, as well as money for the Middle East Children’s Alliance (MECA), to buy sporting equipment for children in Gaza.
MECA specialises in the rehabilitation of children in Gaza, traumatised by war and occupation. Since 2015 The Big Ride has successfully raised over £100,000 for MECA, and this year when the attention of the world is on the trauma they are experiencing, and help is so urgently needed, we hope to raise far more than in previous years, through donations and sponsorship.
The Gaza Vice President of the Red Crescent Society and Gaza Director of MECA, Dr Mona El-Farra, had this to say about The Big Ride:
“With every mile you ride, you are protesting against 70 years of Israeli ethnic cleansing of Palestinians. You are sending a message to the Palestinian people in general, and to the people in Gaza in particular, that they are not abandoned. You are bringing hope to millions of Palestinian children for whom life has been scarred by trauma and fear. We appreciate your solidarity; we salute you all for your humanity.”
The ride will start off from Coventry city centre on Friday 3rd August, stopping in Northampton on the Friday night, Luton on the Saturday night, before arriving into central London mid-afternoon on Sunday 5th August - a total of 124 miles over three days.
To sponsor us visit Global giving page online: https://www.globalgiving.org/projects/sports-for-girls-in-gaza/
Or support us with messages to MPs, motions of support in your union, or if you are in London, join cyclists and speakers as we ride into Hyde Park on Sunday 5th August.
For details visit: The Big Ride for Palestine. Or contact me, Sally Hobbs or organisers based in Burnage, Owen Cooper.
You might want to read this link to an article about the Big Ride that has been independently produced by Middle East Monitor: https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20180720-hundreds-to-cycle-from-coventry-to-london-in-support-of-palestine/
Press release from THE BIG RIDE as follows:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Cf7FpLMQijPpEiW8SQkRXIZopDh5gFSnfi2Zen7CihA/edit?ts=5b4cf429
