Staff and volunteers from Dover, Deal and District Citizens Advice are putting their energy into helping keep the vital service afloat as it faces a loss of charitable funding.

Katy Latymer, 41, has already raised £1,167 after completing the Brighton Marathon with her husband Mark.

Meanwhile keen cyclist Deryck Goodman, 65, a former economics teacher from Wingham Well, hopes to beat that total when he takes part in the London Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 100-mile bike ride in July.

Both Katy and Deryck have been volunteering as advisers for the past three years.

During that time the number of people seeking help from Citizens Advice has risen to an all-time high, as people in the district face the effects of austerity, a changing benefits system and challenges in the world of work.

This year’s fall in funding also prompted chief officer Jan Stewart to take to the road.

She will be sponsored when she joins a friend in a 1950s Mini to take part in the London to Brighton Run in June.

While the branch receives valued support from Dover District Council, the bureau has to compete with hundreds of other organisations for charitable funding to meet increasing demand – last year there was a drop in income of £68,000 over the previous year.

This year’s annual report states that the level of funding from April is uncertain.

Jan said: “We are grateful for the support of Dover District Council and its officers, who have been able to maintain their level of funding again this year.

"But the need for our services is increasing rapidly and it is only thanks to the calibre and dedication of our specialists and volunteers that we can continue to meet that need.”

People are in for a surprise if they think Citizens Advice only deals with troubled shoppers, says Katy.

The former scientific adviser with Pfizer and a mother-of-two joined the Citizens Advice team to gain new skills while between jobs. She said: “Like many people I thought Citizens Advice just dealt with consumer complaints, but it does so, so much more.

“I have been unemployed, so I know how difficult it can be to find support while looking for a new job, now I can help others – but that is not all we do.”

After extensive training Katy advises on a wide range of issues, from employment and housing to debt and benefits and, of course, consumer issues.

She said: “It is extremely satisfying to be able to help people who don’t have the skills to work things out for themselves. Accessing services today can be complicated and it is no shame to admit you are struggling.”

When Katy realised her branch was struggling to top up funds, she decided to raise some money herself.

A keen participant in Parkruns, she set about training to take part in the 26.2-mile Brighton Marathon.

Deryck, a father-of-four, has regularly cycled to work, at one time from Adisham to Ashford.

Now he is retired he cycles from his home in Wingham Well to Dover Citizens Advice.

He said: “I was one of the ‘baby boomers’ who were able to dodge the bullets. We had decent job prospects, good incomes and pensions and were able to buy our own homes.

"I just felt it was time to give something back.”

Now he is going that extra mile to help raise funds for the much needed service.

But he does not expect to have an easy ride at the London Prudential event in July.

Thousands take part over the 100-mile route, which runs from the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park to Pall Mall and includes Box Hill, Leith Hill and Newlands Corner.

You can make a donation to Citizens Advice, or sponsor Jan or Deryck by contacting 01304 374333 for details.

You can also sponsor Deryck at www.virginmoneygiving.com