JOIN TRANSAID ON 15TH ANNIVERSARY AFRICAN CYCLE RIDE

31 July 2013

International development charity, Transaid is inviting cycling enthusiasts and those with a sense of adventure to take part in a charity ride across Uganda to mark its 15th anniversary.

The spectacular challenge will see participants cycle 430km over five days, taking in some of the country’s most beautiful locations, including Murchison Falls National Park, home to more than 700 wild chimpanzees and Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.

The event, which sees participants depart the UK on 2 November 2013, will also give riders the opportunity to learn about Transaid’s emergency transport project in Uganda and meet local representatives. 

Transaid’s Chief Executive, Gary Forster, says: “We are delighted to be celebrating our 15th anniversary this year and we really wanted to organise some fantastic and memorable events to celebrate this milestone. The Uganda cycle ride is a special way to support the charity and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore the stunning African landscape by bike, taking in not just the amazing scenery but the life-changing work Transaid does.  Spaces are filling up fast so we advise anyone interested to get in touch soon and help us to celebrate 15 years of hard work.”

Guy Heywood, Commercial Director of Michelin’s truck and bus tyre division, is one of a number of senior industry figures taking part in this year’s event. He says: “I joined Transaid’s Cycle Madagascar team in 2012 and it was an unforgettable experience; this year I’m back in the saddle with three colleagues and we’ve set ourselves the challenge of raising enough money for Transaid to purchase 25 bicycle ambulances to help remote African communities.

“Covering this kind of distance over unknown terrain won’t be easy, but it’s for a great cause and the sense of achievement when we cross the finishing line and present the money we have raised to Transaid will be well worth it.”

Guy, who only dusted down his bike and got back into cycling two years ago, says you don’t have to be an athlete to take part. “So long as you can put in some training ahead of the event, and gradually build up the distances you are covering, you’ll be fine. Plus the Transaid events are a super way to make new industry contacts, get fit and help to save lives in the process,” he adds.

Already signed up are individuals and teams from Cidrew Ltd, Lafarge Tarmac, Michelin, Norbert Dentressangle, The Forest Company and Pattonair.

Anyone wishing to take part in the Uganda Challenge (2-10 November 2013) can request a registration form by emailing Florence@transaid.org or calling on 020 7387 8136.

A registration fee of £299 is required for the challenge and all cyclists are asked to raise a minimum sponsorship of £3,300.  For sponsorship help and ideas Transaid’s team of dedicated experts are on hand to offer hints and support on fundraising and training from the moment participants sign up.

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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 The Children 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
James Keeler or Faye McBride at Garnett Keeler  +44 (0)20 8647 4467

TRAN/216/13

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