SVP volunteer to cycle 100 miles to raise funds for Vinnie Packs

John with Cardinal Nichols after an earlier charity cycle

John Beckett is a member of the St Vincent de Paul Society and carries out their mission to "Turn concern into action" to such an extent that he's embarking on yet another cycling challenge at the end of the month.

John will be taking part in the Prudential Ride London - Surrey 100, a one hundred mile cycle ride, in order to raise funds for SVP Vinnie Packs which contain cold weather essentials for the homeless. The 15,000 Vinnie Packs handed out to the homeless throughout England and Wales this winter will each contain a thermal hat, two pairs of thermal socks, thermal gloves, toothpaste, toothbrush, a pen and an information sheet. The SVP members put each pack together for less than £3.50 as the packing, administration and deliveries are done using volunteers to ensure that all the donations received can be used to purchase stock.

This isn't the first sponsored ride that John has embarked on as he has cycled from London to Paris and along the Camino for SVP projects. John says, "For less than the cost of a cup of coffee or tea and a piece of cake in a High Street cafe all of the above items can be purchased to go into a Vinnie Pack. The plan is to have sufficient clothing to pack and distribute 15,000 Vinnie Packs at a cost of about £48,000 before the winter begins. With your help by way of donations I would like to raise at least £5,000 towards the cost so please sponsor me and together we can make a difference."

You can sponsor John by going to www.virginmoneygiving.com and typing "John Beckett" into the "Sponsor your friend" box or sending a donation to Vinnie Packs, PO Box 72264, London SW1P 9EZ, marking the back of the cheque "John Beckett".

The Vinnie Pack team and the recipients of the packs are really appreciative of your support.