The 2015 cycle challenge saw 20 volunteers from the business cycle from the Charles Wells-managed d'Parys hotel and restaurant on De Parys Avenue in Bedford, to The Bombardier pub in Paris, France, also owned by the UK family brewery, over a four-day period.
Each member of the team cycled around 150km a day to reach the ambitious targets. Combined, the 20-strong team cycled a distance of more than 10,000km.
To support the effort, Hitachi Capital Vehicle Solutions loaned a Mercedes Sprinter Luton Van, equipped with tail lift, to carry refreshments, food and water, as well as the team luggage between overnight halts.
The challenge aimed to raise £20,000 for two charities, Macmillan Cancer Support and local charity Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice.
For Charles Wells, the work and support provided by Macmillan is an important cause to support, as one of two charities supported by the company and its employees on a regular basis. Splitting the funds 50:50, Charles Wells also looked to support local Bedfordshire-based hospice Sue Ryder, located in Moggerhanger.
Peter Wells, managing director of Charles Wells UK Pubs, and one of the participating cyclists, said: “Macmillan and Sue Ryder are very important to us, so we wanted to make considerable donations to both. It was an ambitious target, but the hard work of the team and support from suppliers like Hitachi Capital resulted in a fantastic achievement; cycling through two countries to raise five-figure sums for two great causes.
The team from Charles Wells is still encouraging and welcoming donations to further exceed their 2015 target and further support their chosen charities – donations can be made online at uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/CharlesWells2015CycleChallenge
