Team’s 1400 mile charity challenge from Wrexham to Gibraltar

 

A team of cyclists is set to ride 1400 miles in 13 Days in aid of Marie Curie and three other charities.

The Wrexham to Gibraltar cycle ride, led by Richard Williams of Williams Financial Planning Ltd, Wrexham, will set off on May 19 – in a bid to raise £15,000 for terminal illness charity Marie Curie, Hope House Hospice, which provides care and support to life-limited children and young people, disability charity Leonard Cheshire and Crohn’s and Colitis UK.

The other seven cyclists are Barry, Mike, Med, Chris, Steve, Lee and Neil, who will all be supported by driver Bob and navigator Barry.

“There’s a variety of reasons why these charities were selected,” said Richard.

“So many of us have witnessed firsthand the tremendous work that Marie Curie do in supporting families through loss of family members, so that was a great charity for us to choose.

“The choice of Hope House was a personal one, having lost my sister at an early age I have always been in awe of the palliative care and post bereavement support they provide.  This is an amazing charity”

“One of the members of our team’s daughter has Crohn’s and we were really shocked to discover how many people suffer with that condition. The Crohns and Colitis UK work with individuals and families providing support and information about living with these conditions.

“Leonard Cheshire was chosen because of the work they do in the disability sector two of our team work with Howdens who also have Leonard Cheshire as their chosen charity for this year.”

This will be the fifth challenge for the team, who came together in 2008 cycling Hadrian’s Wall carrying all their own kit.

“In 2010 we cycled around Wales in 8 days, in 2013 we cycled Land’s End to John O’Groats and then in 2015 we cycled from Wrexham to Monte Carlo.”

With the support of friends, colleagues and family, the team has raised in excess of £30,000 for a variety of charities.

“For this cycle challenge from Wrexham to Gibraltar, we thought we would push ourselves a little further and see just how far we could get in 13 days, we settled on Gibraltar.  We aim to average 107 miles per day which means we should be able to cover the 1400 miles in the time frame”

Richard said training had been “tough” and added that the team would continue to document their journey through their blog.

Laura Ellis-Bartlett, Marie Curie Community Fundraiser for North East Wales, said: “Thank you very much to everyone at Williams Financial Planning for the support they have given the local Marie Curie nurses over the last twelve months. With their support, Marie Curie nurses are able to continue to provide vital care and support when it’s needed most.

“It has been great to be a part of this fantastic journey as Richard and the other cyclists prepare for their challenge. We wish them all the very best of luck for their cycle and look forward to hearing all about it on their triumphant return.”

To follow the team’s journey, or if you can support them, please visit https://wrexhamtogibraltar.com/