Fundraising cyclists associated with transportation company TIP have raised almost £40,000 for charity by riding 300km, from Manchester to Galway, Ireland.
The ‘Fat Bottomed Boys’, drawn from TIP staff as well as customers of and suppliers to the company, last year raised £20,000 cycling to Amsterdam on the inaugural fundraising event.
Day one saw the group of 44 riders take the scenic route to Liverpool, enduring a wet and windy day’s cycling across the Cheshire plains. The ride’s second day was a punishing, windy leg across the Emerald Isle from Dublin to Athlone, before day three and a final 110km push. In Galway their achievement was celebrated with a champagne reception at the finish line.
Mike Furnival, sponsor and TIP managing director, said: “Once more, we challenged a crack squad of ageing athletes to complete a windy, winding bicycle journey from our UK HQ in Manchester.
“Instead of turning right out of our offices and aiming for Amsterdam, the team of 44 cyclists turned left out of the gates and set off to reach our Celtic cousins in Galway.
“Last year, we had glorious weather for the Amsterdam challenge, but this year was completely different,” said Mr Furnival.
“We are nearing £40,000 in pledges for our chosen charities but the site will remain open until the end of July to capture all outstanding pledges. Hopefully the final total will continue to grow right up to the cut-off date.
“Once again, we have been overwhelmed by the donations from the transport industry to support these deserving charities. It is vital to their continued progress and the team are incredibly grateful for the fantastic support we’ve received,” Mr Furnival said.
Money raised is to be divided between three charities: Cancer Research UK; The Donna Louise Trust, which cares for terminally ill children and their families; and The Air Ambulance Service.
To make a donation, please visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/TIPFatBottomBoysRideAgain
