The Domestic Abuse (DA) Alliance, a St Albans-based legal support service, is cycling 100 miles to raise £1,000 for White Ribbon UK, a charity that works to prevent violence against women and girls.

The fundraiser is taking place on Friday 22 November from 11:00-17:00 underneath the clock tower in Market Place. Staff from the DA Alliance, along with supporters of the service, will take turns to ‘clock up the miles’ on exercise bikes. The White Swan will provide refreshments to the cyclists and passing crowds from a mobile bar. Proceeds taken by the bar will support the fundraiser. Cyrus, the city’s popular busking soul singer, will lead the vocal support for participants.

Donate here: https://gofund.me/4c2f3f22

Members of the public will be encouraged to donate towards the fundraising target in exchange for a white ribbon. The white ribbon symbolises allyship, and the idea that men should take responsibility to challenge gender-based violence. The annual White Ribbon Day [25 November 2024] is a time to raise awareness about men’s violence against women and girls, and the role men can play in ending it.

Rosie Watson, head of external relations, Domestic Abuse (DA) Alliance said: “Starting with men, we must address the attitudes and behaviours that contribute to a fear of violence for women. Each year, over 2.1 million people aged 16 years and over experience domestic abuse. 1.4 million of these are women. Since 2019, we’ve supported over 35,000 people in Hertfordshire and beyond living with abuse, providing legal assistance and protection to help them break the cycle.”

The fundraising event is being supported by St Albans City Centre BID (Business Improvement District), a business led and business funded not-for-profit company working to create a vibrant, safe and resilient city centre for those who live, work and visit the city.

Vivien Cannon, BID Manager said, “BID is pleased to support the DA Alliance to reach their very modest fundraising total and encourage everyone to come along and show their active support for White Ribbon Day. BID works with many partners on safety issues to ensure St Albans remains a safe place for all.”

Councillor Jamie Day, the Mayor of St Albans, and Daisy Cooper, Liberal Democrat MP for St Albans will attend the event.