Spirits industry professionals cycling from Scotland to London to help youth charity

Members of the Worshipful Company of Distillers are preparing for a 700-mile cross-country bike ride to raise money for a London youth charity.

Kenny MacKay (pictured), master of the Worshipful Company of Distillers, together with several liverymen and other members of the industry will be riding from Scotland to London for charity, with half the money raised going to Future Youth Zone.

Part of the national OnSide Youth Network, the charity in Barking and Dagenham aims to give young people in the district, particularly those from deprived backgrounds, a safe place to spend their free time while also encouraging them to live healthier and more aspirational lives.

After setting off on their bike ride on 16 September, the charity riders will arrive in London on City Giving Day (22 September). The lord mayor of the City of London, Alderman William Russell, will welcome the group at Guildhall Yard and will accept a cheque for Future Youth Zone. All fundraising will be routed through the Distillers' Charity.

Master Kenny MacKay said: "I am passionate about the work that OnSide Youth Network does across the country's most disadvantaged areas. It gives hope to young people, providing them with somewhere safe and inspiring to spend their free time in order to help them achieve their full potential."

Gavin Evans, CEO of Future Youth Zone, said: "We are so grateful to the Worshipful Company of Distillers for supporting Future as founder patrons, and to Kenny MacKay and the team for taking on this incredible challenge to raise much needed funds for our work. This year has been challenging for all young people, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds."

3 September 2020 - Bethany Whymark