MD’s Charity Cycle Challenge
Packington joint MD Rob Mercer has recently ventured off the farm and cross-country on a mission to be proud of. As part of the Coast 2 Coast charity bike ride from Whitehaven to Whitby, Rob and the rest of the local team together raised almost £10,000 for St. Giles Hospice(http://www.stgileshospice.com/index.html ).
This was no relaxing jaunt through the English countryside. The three day, 190 mile cycle challenged the team immensely, with the first day nicely setting the scene for the physical challenges that lay ahead.
Setting off at 8am, the team cycled through the Lake District and continued throughout the day up to the highest point of the Yorkshire Dales. A last push seven mile climb got them to the pub at 9.30pm (!), which after more than 13 hours in the saddle felt a huge achievement!
The rest of the journey saw a mixture of sunshine and clouds, indulgent and rewarding evenings, relaxed cycles and steep climbs across the Yorkshire Moors. Unfortunately there were a couple of injuries, with two members of the team taken out of the ride after some nasty falls.
The cycle was completed in Robin Hood’s Bay on the afternoon of the third day, undoubtedly welcomed by aching muscles, rewarding drinks and immense pride in their achievements.
Rob would like to say a huge thank you for all the support in the build up to, during and following the ride. Of the final total, Rob personally raised £1875 for St. Giles, and we are all very proud of him.
St. Giles is a registered charity that offers specialist care for patients with cancer and other serious illnesses, as well as providing support for their families and helpers. The care is provided free of charge, irrespective of personal circumstances. To find out more, visit www.stgileshospice.com
