Eight cyclists from Guernsey will soon be pedalling from Land’s End to John O’Groats to raise thousands of pounds for charity.
The local rouleurs are taking part in the annual Deloitte Ride Across Britain, a nine-day, 969-mile cycle challenge that starts on 5th September. Heavily supported by Deloitte employee participation, the challenge is also open to the public and four other local cyclists will attempt the challenge.
The route, though scenic, is punishing, taking riders through 23 counties along stunning coastal roads, through moorland, rolling countryside and majestic hills. On the first day the cyclists face a 6,000ft climbing route and the longest single day is a gruelling 126 miles. It’s no surprise that this ‘end to end’ ride is known as one of the UK’s toughest cycle challenges.
Deloitte’s Guernsey office has been a big supporter of the event over the last four years and has raised over £25,000 for various charities, including Male Uprising Guernsey (MUG). Since it’s inception in 2010 Deloitte Ride Across Britain cyclists have raised £1.5 million for the British Paralympic Association, clocking up over 2,500,000 fundraising miles that have helped disabled athletes succeed at London 2012. The fundraising is now helping British Paralympians on their road to Rio.
This year’s Guernsey team comprises Deloitte staff John Clacy, Luke Dorey, Ben Vaudin, Matthew Fisher, together with Helen Benham, Regina Luxon, Rob Vaudin and Nick Cannon.
It is the second time John Clacy, Lead Partner at Deloitte in Guernsey, has tackled the challenge: ‘Having completed the ride in 2012 I know what to expect, that means I am feeling some trepidation, as well as excitement, about what is to come.’
The 2015 team is being supported by Cycleworld who will be transporting the bikes to the mainland: ‘It’s a tough event and logistics for riders travelling from the island are difficult, transporting their bikes is our way of supporting the cyclists and helping their fundraising efforts,’ says Tim Luscombe of Cycleworld.
Funds raised will benefit local and national charities – Mr Clacy is once again riding to raise money for MUG and the three other Deloitte riders are supporting the British Paralympic Association.
Local charity Guernsey Cancer Support will benefit from Helen Benham’s ride and she has already raised over £3,000. Having had cancer 11 years ago, Helen is keen to raise funds to assist other local cancer sufferers.
Rob Vaudin is riding for Cancer Research UK and is taking on the challenge to mark the 10th anniversary of completing his treatment for cancer.
‘After my diagnosis I became a keen cyclist to keep fit and it seems appropriate to take on the challenge of completing the journey from Land’s End to John O’Groats. It is thanks to the support of many cancer charities and their fundraising people that I am in a position to do this, so it is fitting that I try my best to raise some funds too, says Mr Vaudin.
Mr Clacy comments: ‘It is brilliant to see so many different charities benefit from the Deloitte Ride Across Britain. It has become a superb platform to raise awareness and funds for national charities as well as those close to our hearts here in Guernsey.’
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