Have you got what it takes to walk, jog, run or cycle your way to 100km this May? Local charity The Door Youth Project is looking for you!

First launched during lockdown in 2020, the #100KinMay challenge invites participants to walk, jog, run or cycle 100km in the month of May all to raise funds for Stroud-based charity The Door Youth Project.

The Door provides vital mental health support to young people and their families across the district by providing positive role models and safe spaces such as youth clubs, mentoring and telephone support.

Sessional youth worker Tracy Fletcher, who joined The Door team in 2020, is among those taking on challenge.

Tracy said: "A few years ago, a challenge like the 100kinMay would have been impossible for me. I had spent many years bed-bound and needing to use a wheelchair because of my M.E. I've suffered with M.E. for most of my life, so I've had to learn to pace myself and be careful how much physical activity I undertake.

"I'm really excited to be at a point in my life where I can even consider taking up the challenge. This will be a huge personal achievement for me and hopefully I can raise a lot of money at the same time.

"I'm nervous about doing too much because of the repercussions that could have. The main challenges will be health-related but with some careful planning and plenty of time to rest and recover I can't wait to get started!

"Most of all I'm looking forward to walking in some of my favourite places and planning some new routes.

"I've set a fundraising target of £500. That's enough to start 50 young people on their mentoring journey and I really hope we can raise as much as possible. You can sponsor me and other members of The Door Team on our #TeamDoor page. Please give what you can."

Tracy added: "I joined The Door as a sessional youth worker last year. I already feel so very privileged to be part of this amazing team and the work that we provide. Supporting young people and their families is more vital than ever, as we emerge from the pandemic. I hope our steps and fundraising will help #KeepTheDoorOpen for those that need us."

The Door's community fundraiser Anne Townsend said: "We're really excited about this year's challenge. Last year's raised over £10,000 to help us #KeepTheDoorOpen and we hope this year will be just as good.

"Whether walking, running or cycling, going out each day is an amazing way to explore our beautiful district and all it has to offer, especially in the spring sunshine! 100km sounds a lot but it actually works out at around 3km a day which takes most people 30 minutes to walk. So it's really achievable and great for staying active.

"It's really accessible too - entry is free and you can do the challenge alone or in groups. It doesn't matter how you get to 100km so you can take it at your own pace.

"Some people that did the challenge in 2020 are aiming higher for 2021, our CEO is aiming for 150km and one of our trustees is doing a 300km triathlon (100km of each walking, running and cycling). I'll be sticking to 100km for my walking though!"

Find out more about the challenge and sign up today at thedoor.org.uk  or find The Door on Facebook or Instagram @TheDoorStroud.

You can also call Anne on 01453 756745 if you have any questions or email fundraising@thedoor.org.uk