ATS Euromaster’s Steward Cycling to Save Lives

In November, ATS Euromaster’s head of Business Development, Kevin Steward, will direct his efforts towards development of another kind when he sets off on a 420 kilometre ride through Tanzania as a participant in the transport charity Transaid’s ‘Cycle Tanzania’ fundraising initiative. Money raised through Steward’s efforts will help the independent charity’s work in Africa and the developing world.

Transaid works towards saving lives by improving the standards of driver training and emergency transport in countries where road accidents are big killers and access to healthcare services and public transport is poor. Its work is supported by businesses within the industry, including ATS Euromaster and Michelin, both of which are founding members of the charity.

Steward says he hopes getting close and personal with a nation with some of the world’s biggest economical and health problems will be an enlightening experience. “It’s easy to lose sight of what really goes on out there when you never have to face up to it,” he says. “I’ll be glad of this opportunity to really see it first-hand.” His five-day cycling challenge covers wildlife parks, rural villages, over mountains and across rivers.

Apart from overnight stops in basic hotels and lodges, resting time will be sparse, and Steward will be cycling for up to eight hours a day. To prepare for this he is undertaking a training regime that has been described as ‘gruelling’. “I’m not the fittest of people,” Steward concedes, “and November’s creeping up on me, so I’m out on my bike most days now, on the downs near my home. Getting up in the morning and getting back on your bike when you feel like you’ve barely left the saddle is tough, but it’s kept me focused on my goal – and staying motivated is the key to getting sponsorship.”

To participate in the expedition, Steward needs to raise at least £3,000. A large portion of the money has come from Birmingham-based ATS Euromaster’s corporate suppliers; while ATS Euromaster has also contributed towards the amount and given him the time off work for free. Steward says he is relying on friends, family and colleagues for the rest. He’s set up some fundraising events to raise funds, including three dress-down days at work over the next few days – and a ‘spinning day’ on the mezzanine of his office in mid-October. “The spinning day should be an interesting one,” Steward commented. “The challenge is to cycle on this spinning bike for six hours without a break. My friends can’t wait to have a good old laugh at my expense: they’ve even suggested I juggle throughout. I put my foot down at wearing lycra though.”

To support Kevin Steward in his efforts for Transaid, visit www.justgiving.com/Kevin-Steward.