When local Dad and Family Services Manager Paul Morton-Kemp, who works for the children’s charity Home-Start Essex, says he’ll do whatever it takes to support struggling families with young children across the county, he truly means it.
On Sunday 19th October, Paul will take on a physically and emotionally demanding 100-mile Bonkers Bike Ride in just one day, cycling a huge loop across Essex, all to raise urgent funds for the charity he’s devoted to: Home-Start Essex.
Starting and finishing in Maldon, his “Bonkers Bike Ride” will take him through Southminster, Burnham-on-Crouch, South Woodham Ferrers, Danbury, Chelmsford, Hatfield Peverel, Witham, Braintree, Kelvedon, Tiptree, Tollesbury, Great Totham, and back again! This is a significant challenge for Paul who will start and end the cycle in the dark.
“I meet families who are hanging on by a thread. Parents in tears because there’s no food in the fridge. Mums alone with newborns, struggling with postnatal depression. Bereaved dad’s grieving, left to care for a baby on their own. These aren’t distant stories, this is happening right here in our communities.
“I can’t just watch. I’m lucky I have my health, a job I love, and a bike I love riding. So, I’m doing what I can. If my 100-mile ride helps one more family get the support they need, every mile will be worth it.” Says Paul Morton-Kemp
Home-Start Essex helps to give local children the best possible start in life.
The need has never been greater. Since the pandemic, demand for Home-Start Essex’s services has soared by 134%.
Families with children under five are facing unimaginable challenges, poverty, mental and physical health struggles, abuse, bereavement, and isolation. For many, Home-Start Essex is their only support.
More than 38,600 children live in the most deprived parts of Essex. And over 14% of children in Essex are growing up in extreme poverty.
Home-Start Essex steps in before it’s too late, helping families get back on their feet, find hope, and build a better future. Last year alone, they supported 1025 families and 2116 children with:
• Home Visiting – Weekly support from trained volunteer mentors for families in need.
• Family Support Groups – Helping parents build confidence, resilience, and school readiness through play and peer connection, including SEND, Family Fitness & Fun, and Baby Massage groups.
• Wellbeing Groups – Support for parents struggling with their emotional wellbeing, who may be facing trauma, grief, or postnatal depression.
• Essential Supplies – Food, nappies, blankets, and fuel support for families in poverty or temporary housing.
• Behavioural & SEND Support – One-to-one and group help for parents of children with additional needs.
• Counselling – Mental health support, including for survivors of domestic abuse.
• Befriending Calls – A listening ear for parents who feel isolated and alone.
A Local Hero Doing Something Truly Extraordinary
Paul isn’t just a charity professional, he’s a father, a volunteer with the Scouts, and someone who believes every child deserves the chance to feel safe, loved, and hopeful.
He’s already completed challenges like the London to Brighton off-road ride, but this 100-mile loop is his biggest yet.
Every donation Paul receives will be matched, and with Gift Aid, £1 becomes £2.25 doubling your impact.
How You Can Help
Please, support Paul’s ride and support Essex families who need you.
Every donation, no matter how small, will help change a child’s life.
Donate now: https://pay.collctiv.com/pauls-bonkers-100-mile-bike-ride-2400
Learn more about Home-Start Essex: https://www.home-startessex.org.uk
