EUROPEAN CYCLE EVENT RAISES VITAL FUNDS FOR TRANSPORT CHARITY TRANSAID
17 September 2013
Cyclists from across the transport industry are well on their way to raising more than £100,000 for international development charity Transaid, after riding 360km from London to Amsterdam.
The 45-strong team had already raised £58,000 by the time they set off from Romford on Friday (13 September) and hope to smash the charity’s £100k target once the remaining sponsorship money is collected.
Swapping the hustle and bustle of London for the picturesque Dutch countryside, the cyclists battled early starts, bumpy roads, rain and wind to complete the 18 hour journey, arriving in the capital of the Netherlands at 5.30pm on Sunday (15 September), where the elated but exhausted riders toasted their success with a glass of champagne.
The funds raised from the event will enable Transaid to continue its vital projects in Africa, which save lives and reduce poverty for rural communities by providing them with better transport solutions.
Transaid’s Chief Executive, Gary Forster, who also took part in the event, says: “This year’s cycle was absolutely fantastic. It was hard work but everyone had a great time and we’ve raised a fantastic amount so far for Transaid.
“Arriving in Amsterdam was absolutely brilliant and we are so thankful to all the riders who took part and everyone who has supported us. Transaid couldn’t continue the vital work it does if it wasn’t for all the fantastic support we receive from the industry.”
The event was sponsored by Dutch bus and rail company Abellio, which also fielded a team of eight riders for the European cycle. Joining Abellio were Graeme McFaull, Transaid’s chairman, Clare Bottle from Lafarge Tarmac and a Transaid trustee, Peter Hendy, Commissioner of Transport, TFL – back for his second Transaid challenge. There were also representatives from Alpine Coaches, Atkins Global, Backhouse Jones Solicitors, Bandvulc Tyres, Clipper Group, Collect +,Crossrail, Delin Capital, DHL, Goodyear Dunlop Tyres, John Nicholas Antiques, Marks and Spencer, MPIE, Norbert Dentressangle,SKM, Sky High Technology, TFL, Transaid, Transport Times and Wincanton.
And for any cyclists feeling a little more adventurous Transaid is holding its second cycling event of 2013 across Uganda in November. For more information about the event please contact Florence Bearman at Transaid on 020 7387 8136 or email Florence@transaid.org.
ends
Note to Editor:
Transaid (www.transaid.org) is an international development agency that aims to improve people’s quality of life in the developing world by making transport more available and affordable. It was founded by Save TheChildren and the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (UK) and works by sharing skills and knowledge with local people to enable them to put in place and manage efficient transport systems.
Transaid’s core work includes creating transport management systems for the public sector and assisting with the provision of professional driving qualification development and the training of driver trainers. It also assists with teaching preventive vehicle maintenance management and introducing local, low cost transport solutions including its innovative bicycle ambulance. Transaid also helps promote HIV, AIDS and road safety awareness and shares its specialist knowledge with the humanitarian aid sector.
Transaid enjoys strong backing from the transport and logistics industry and the active involvement of its patron, HRH The Princess Royal.
For further press information:
Aggie Krasnolucka-Hickman at Transaid +44 (0)20 7387 8136
Faye McBride or James Keeler at Garnett Keeler +44 (0)20 8647 4467
TRAN/224/13
Tags:
