Shropshire cyclists raise nearly £6,500 for charity

The 10-strong team, all members of the Paramount Cycle Club, completed the Lands End to John O’Groats ride on Sunday May 24 after cycling on average 100 gruelling miles a day for nine consecutive days.

The money raised will now be split between two charities - Severn Hospice and Help for Heroes.

Team member Dan Butler, who works at Beaumont Lawrence insurance Brokers on Sweetlake Business Park, said: “The ride went really well and we worked very well as a team spurring each other on when the going got tough.

“The first day or so was the hardest for all of us I think especially with such hilly terrain across Cornwall. We gradually settled down though and then cycling just became the norm.

“This particular ride is on the bucket list for most keen cyclists so we are all very proud to have completed it and have raised so much money for two really deserving charities in the process.

“We cannot thank friends and family enough for all the support they have shown through their generous donations. We will be on target to have raised in the region of £6,500 in total once all the sponsorship money comes in which is fantastic.”

Mr Butler completed the challenge with fellow cyclists Colin Heywood, Liz Heywood, Phil Goddard, Jonathan Partridge, Phil Freeman, Damien Thompson, Rob Bould, Eddie Emblen, Randle Edwards and Russell Jones. The team was supported by Mike and Christine Heywood who drove the support vehicle and provided essential refreshments and supplies to the cyclists throughout the trip.

Ben Lawrence, managing director of Beaumont Lawrence, racing team manager for Paramount and organiser of the Shrewsbury Grand Prix, said: “The team have done incredibly well to complete such a long ride in just a few days.

“It must have been really tough at times but they all kept going until the end. The club is very proud of them.

“They have raised a very impressive amount for two extremely deserving charities which is fantastic.”