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GenesisBikeRide600
Trio complete ride round Norfolk for Christian charity 
Three cyclists, including prison chaplain Mark Bredin, have completed a 200-mile ride around Norfolk from HMP Norwich to HMP Wayland to raise money for Christian charity House of Genesis to purchase a third house to provide a supportive home for homeless ex-prisoners.

Mark Louther and Oren Souter also spent four days cycling around Norfolk, led by Mark, a Quaker chaplain at HMP Wayland. All money raised will go towards an additional house for the House of Genesis, which continues to successfully house men on release from the Norfolk prisons.

They were “released” at HMP Norwich by the governor, Will Styles, with the Chaplain praying for their safety and success. Other prison staff and Genesis staff and trustees were also present to see them off, and a trumpet fanfare saw them on their way. From Norwich, the group headed to King's Lynn, Martham, Walcott, Sheringham and Wells and finished outside Wayland Prison on Thursday, August 25.­­­­

HouseofGenesisCyclistsCFThe achievement will then be followed by a small celebration at The House of Genesis, the Christian charity that Mark is raising funds for.  The House of Genesis is seeking to raise £25,000 towards the setting up of a third house in Norwich for homeless ex-prisoners, adding to the £50,000 it has already received.

Val Dodsworth, Co-Founder and Trustee of The House of Genesis, said: “What a week! But brilliant for those involved and a goodly sum of money raised too.

"The House of Genesis has been providing supportive homes for the past 16 years, for homeless men, and especially those who leave prison with nowhere to go.  We are now looking to provide a third house and another five or six places, to add to the 10 we already have.

"Last year the charity opened a house on Dereham Road and since then we have taken Community Chaplaincy Norfolk, under our wing offering a mentoring and befriending service to former prisoners who need that sort of help to turn their lives around.  Now, with the kick start of a small bequest we are looking to raise as much as possible towards the deposit to purchase another house.”

Part of this fundraising effort will be the ‘Chaplain on Two Wheels’ Sponsored Round Norfolk Bike Ride.   Mark will be accompanied by a member of the House of Genesis staff and one ex-resident. There will be stops along the way to meet up with friends and supporters. 

You can still donate online or via a downloadable sponsorship form go to www.thehouseofgenesis.org

Click here to read an interview with the new Project Coordinator of the Community Chaplaincy Norfolk. 

See a video report by ITV News

Pictured top, the cyclists arrive at HMP Wayland on August 25, and, above, setting off from HMP Norwich.


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