A LEGAL firm’s staff and friends tackled a 50-mile cycle challenge to raise money for Mind in Bradford.

The Dales 50 event, organised by Rawdon company Barton Legal, took place on Friday, May 20.

It saw 20 cyclists kick off with breakfast at North Bar Social in Otley before taking to the saddle through the scenic North Yorkshire countryside.

They enjoyed a coffee and cake pit-stop at North Bar Harrogate before hitting the home run back to Otley. On their return, the team celebrated with Luigi Street Food, a well-earned drink, and sports massages courtesy of Pat Hill Massage.

Company directors Bill and Trish Barton, who were among the riders, had organised the event to show their support for mental health awareness and to raise money for a charity doing great work in the area.

Bill Barton said: “We wanted to organise the ride because we appreciate that, certainly over the past couple of years, everybody has had issues – whether those are mental or otherwise – and you don’t know how people are feeling.

“So it’s an important thing for us - everybody needs a bit of support, and Mind in Bradford is a great charity that’s local to us, and we’re glad that our staff and our company can support it.”

Participant Bill Squires, a business coach, said: “It was a fantastic opportunity to do two things I love: one is to cycle in the most magnificent countryside in the world, Yorkshire, and two, raise some funds for a fantastic cause.”

Barton Legal’s ride raised £1,070, which could fund 50 sessions of support at Mind in Bradford’s crisis service Sanctuary, giving 50 people access to a safe and calm space while in mental health distress.

Research shows that exercise such as cycling can improve mental health, helping to improve sleep, stress and anxiety and with intrusive thoughts.

Helen Davey, CEO at Mind in Bradford, also took part in the ride. She said: “It was a really brilliant day. While the ride was physically exhausting, the benefit to my mind was amazing - just having to focus on turning the wheels and to keep breathing enabled me to reset and recalibrate my busy head!

“A huge thank you to all those at Barton Legal, North Brewing Co. and Chevin Cycles who were involved in organising the event. The money raised will make a real positive difference to the people we support.”