Earlier this year, ten determined volunteers from across Warburtons Commercial signed up for a serious challenge - to cycle over 233 miles from London to Paris to raise money for charity.
To say that the challenge ahead was somewhat daunting, was perhaps an understatement - particularly to those of us who hadn’t been on a bike (or done much exercise) for many years! But, spurred on by the prospect of an adventure and raising some serious money for our nominated charities, with a growing team spirit and our new team name, the ‘Warbies Wheelers’ began our weeks of training.
On the 17th September, directed by frighteningly fit and somewhat military style tour guides, we embarked on our epic journey through busy towns, quiet villages and dramatic countryside, where we were challenged to extremes by gruelling hill climbs, white-knuckle downhills, blazing heat, tireless headwinds, and angry, crazy drivers!
We truly experienced blood, sweat and tears along the way, but showing real team spirit, grit and determination, we battled through it together and after three long days of pushing those pedals, having experienced highs and lows, bruised limbs and some similarly bruised egos, we had finally done it!
As we reached the finish - circling the Arc de Triomphe in a blaze of glory, we were met by a flurry of waving, cheering crowds and beeping horns. The truly amazing sense of achievement and pride we experienced will stay with us for ever.
We have raised over £10,000 across four charities: The Alzheimer’s Society, Macmillan Cancer Support, Derian House Children’s Hospice and The Jennifer Trust for Spinal Muscular Atrophy. A Fantastic achievement.
We are incredibly grateful to Warburtons and everyone who supported us along the way. Your generosity and kind words really helped us through.
A huge well done to our team: Martin Garlick, Amy Lydiate, Joanne Buckley, Richard Mckie, Peter Paisley, David Roberts, Paul Pack, Colin McAlpine, Mark Dolan and special thanks to Paul Hobson who stepped in at the last minute with no training and to our chief fundraiser Jane Sutton who despite all her efforts in training had to pull out just weeks before the ride after suffering injury in a car accident.
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