Transport and Logistics Firms Get Back on the Bikes for Charity

UK – Two tales this week of those involved in the transport and logistics sectors who are getting back on their bikes to help those less fortunate than themselves. Due to the pandemic both events will be happening in the UK having been cancelled last year.

Whilst the annual cycle rides to support transport charity Transaid often occur in the heart of the African continent, the latest challenge could hardly be more British. The Way of the Roses challenge is named after the 15th Century Wars of the Roses, where English civil wars were fought between the royal houses of Lancaster and York over control of the throne.

This years’ challenge will involve two days of cycling through the Lancashire countryside and Yorkshire Dales, covering a total distance of 170 miles and, as ever, all money raised will go to Transaid to support its work to solve transport challenges throughout sub-Saharan Africa. Florence Bearman, Transaid’s Head of Fundraising commented:

“We were bitterly disappointed not to be able to go ahead with our planned events last year, and so we are absolutely thrilled to launch this exciting new fundraiser. Our cycle challenges are always a sell-out, with a real sense of camaraderie among the riders, but most importantly because they are a fantastic chance for supporters to raise essential funds for our lifesaving programmes, a cause close to all our hearts.”

This years’ Way of the Roses runs over the 23rd-26th September with details of registration to compete HERE and marks Transaid’s sixth UK-based cycle challenge. Managing Director of PF Whitehead Logistics, Peter Whitehead, will be one of 40 participants to take part in the Morecambe to Bridlington adventure. He observed:

“As a proud Transaid ambassador this will be my third challenge, after previous rides in Tanzania and Zambia. I’m so excited to be climbing back on my bike. This charity not only improves transportation services within communities but also empowers people.”

To donate to P F Whitehead's Just Giving page to support the event just click HERE.

Meanwhile one event that traditionally appears on the UK calendar is the East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices’ (EACH) Ride for Life. For over 25 years, Norfolk-based Johnston Logistics UK has been proud to sponsor, and frequently host the event. And this year it is particularly poignant, as the charity cycle ride is being held in memory of Johnston Logistics UK’s late founder, Richard Johnston, a dedicated supporter of both EACH and the Ride for Life and who passed away in 2018.

This year’s three-day cycle ride begins on Friday 8th October and travels through three counties and over 200 miles of the beautiful East Anglian countryside. The event will once again begin and finish at Johnston Logistics UK headquarters in Snetterton, with cyclists riding between all three of EACH’s children’s hospices in Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire.

Money raised from the sponsorship of riders will help support children and young people with life-threatening conditions. The last Ride for Life in 2018 raised over £30,000 towards the charity’s appeal to build The Nook hospice in Norfolk, which was subsequently opened in 2019. Johnston Logistics UK’s director, Rob McIndoe says:

“The Ride for Life is a challenge but it’s definitely worth the effort! EACH is very close to our hearts and there are few more important causes than supporting children and their families through such difficult times. It’s even more of an honour this year as it’s in memory of our founder Richard Johnston who was a dedicated supporter of children’s hospices.”

The 2021 EACH Ride for Life has already attracted a number of previous participants but is hoping to attract more cyclists keen to help raise awareness and money for the charity. Becky Redbond, EACH Events Fundraising Manager, said:

“We’re so excited for the return of Ride for Life. After all the time in lockdown over the last year, there has perhaps never been a better time to get out and enjoy the stunning countryside. The event has enabled many friendships to be forged and great memories to be made, and I’m sure this year will be no different. This year’s event is, once again, sponsored by Johnston Logistics UK and it’s absolutely fitting for it to be taking place in memory of Richard, who was a truly dedicated EACH supporter.”

Though the main event is held over three days and visits all of the charity’s existing hospices, participants can also sign up for just one day. You can support the event by applying to join the riders for either one or three days, or just make a donation (without climbing on the saddle) HERE.

Photo: Riders from a previous year’s EACH Ride for Life event.