Pedal power raises £75,000 for Transaid

Charitable volunteers from across the transport industry cycled to Brussels at the weekend, in a bid to raise £75,000 for Transaid.

The 34-strong team had already raised £45,000 by the time they set off on the 340km ride on Friday (12 September) and are confident of reaching their fundraising target once the remaining sponsorship money is collected.

Riders set off from the Freight Transport Association’s head office in Tunbridge Wells and headed for Dover where they caught the ferry to Calais. Their adventure continued through France where even the most experienced cyclists were challenged by a very strong head wind. The group celebrated the end of this particularly difficult day in Bruges where they enjoyed a well-earned break and glass of beer, completing the final 74 miles to Brussels on Sunday (September 14), finishing at the city’s iconic Grand Place.

Upon arrival the cyclists were greeted by a party from the International Association of Public Transport – who put on a champagne and chocolate reception.

Funds raised from the event will enable Transaid to continue its vital projects in Africa, which save lives and reduce poverty for rural communities by providing them with life saving transport solutions.

Transaid’s Acting Chief Executive, Caroline Barber, says: “Cycling 340km takes a lot of dedication and we were delighted so many loyal and committed supporters wanted to take part in our fundraising challenge. This was our third European cycle event and it was a great success. I’m sure there are quite a few tired legs today but we’re looking forward to next year’s challenge!”

The event was sponsored by international freight and logistics company Uniserve and included riders from Alpine Travel, Argos, Backhouse Jones Solicitors, Cadence Consulting, Clipper Logistics, Collect+, Delin Capital, DHL, GBC Europe, Marks and Spencer, Narrow Aisle, Norbert Dentressangle Logistics, Norbert Dentressangle Transport, PIE Mapping, Prospect Coaches, Transport for London, Traveline Information, University of Hull and Utrack.

Transaid’s next event is its Africa Cycle ride in June 2015. Riders will take in the beautiful landscape of Tanzania, cycling 400km between Mount Kilimanjaro and the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater. Anyone wishing to get involved can contact Florence Bearman on 020 7387 8136 or email Florence@transaid.org.