Seven amateur cyclists kicked off a fundraising challenge with the annual Cycle to Cannes charity bike ride. The team set off on the
epic adventure, which covers 1,500 miles over six days from London to Cannes, on March 11th.
Mark and James Whittaker from Peel Holdings, Andrew Russell of Russells Construction, Jon Matthews and Jon Crellin at HKR architects,
Steve Chicken and Andrew Waugh from 53N were riding for a range of different charities. Each has a sponsorship target of £3,000 as part
of a bid by the organisers - Cycle to Cannes - to raise a total of £150,000.
The charities they have chosen to support include Tom's Trust, an educational fund in memory of murdered lawyer Tom ap Rhys Pryce; The
Sarah Matheson Trust, a support network for people living with multiple system atrophy; Article 25, a disaster relief charity which is
supporting the victims of the Haiti earthquake; and The Duke of Edinburgh award scheme.
Russells Construction managing director Andrew Russell said: "Cycling as part of a team is great fun and the camaraderie is what gets
you through the latter stages. The total distance of 1,500 miles is a long way but the charities which we are supporting are all doing
such important work that we had the motivation we need to make it all the way."
The Manchester contingent joined more than 70 other riders in three relays, each peloton covering around 120km over two days, equalling
a total of 600 per rider. The whole team arrived in Cannes ahead of the MIPIM conference with many staying on to take part in the discussions.
Mark Whittaker, director of Peel Holdings Property, added: "Cycle to Cannes is a fantastic way to raise the profile of these incredibly worthwhile
charities and much needed funds. I'm delighted that we've put together a team which has the potential to make a significant donation and that
Manchester was well represented out there on the road."
