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'The cost of living is going through the roof': Elaine C Smith explains why she is cycling for charity

Glasgow comedian Elaine C Smith takes on £1m challenge to end homelessness
Glasgow comedian Elaine C Smith takes on £1m challenge to end homelessness

Comedian Elaine C Smith has taken on a major challenge to end homelessness.

The Glasgow funny woman and actress has pledged to take part in Social Bite’s Break the Cycle challenge to help raise £1m to fund vital projects.

The event will see participants take on a 60-mile cycle from the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome in Glasgow to Edinburgh's Murrayfield.

There will also be shorter three-mile routes meaning there’s something for all ages to enjoy and take on the challenge.

Elaine will be cycling the three-mile route finishing at BT Murrayfield Stadium, where she will also be performing a comedy set as part of the end-site celebrations for fellow riders and their families and supporters.

Alongside Elaine at the event on Sunday, September 4, will be Olympic hero Sir Chris Hoy, and Glasgow Warriors Managing Director and former Scotland rugby captain, Al Kellock, who are also donning their lycra and pedalling to raise money.

Elaine C Smith said: “What Social Bite is doing is fantastic and I am delighted to be joining them to Break the Cycle of homelessness this September.

“The cost of living is going through the roof and thing are getting harder for people.

"We all need to create more of a stooshie about homelessness, and more needs to be done but this event gives a bit of light and hope and will raise money for desperately needed projects.

“I will be cycling the three-mile 'Wee One' with my granddaughter and hope to see everyone there.”

Since launching in October 2021, Social Bite’s Jobs First employment programme has already supported 17 people from a background of homelessness into mainstream employment.

Their aim is to break down barriers for people to get into work by partnering with some of the UK’s largest employers.

This helps ensure meaningful employment with support.

Social Bite is now well on its way to surpassing the year one target of 20 people in jobs.

 

 

Josh Littlejohn MBE, CEO and Co-Founder of Social Bite, said: “To have the backing of a legend like Elaine C Smith is fantastic for us and we’re so thankful to her for taking on the challenge.

“Her efforts will help our Break the Cycle campaign raise the vital money required to help in our mission to end homelessness and provide the help and support required.

“I’m looking forward to riding alongside Elaine and all the other heroic fundraisers in what’s sure to be an incredible day in September.”

To find out more, sign-up or donate, please visit: breakthecycle.co.uk