Five directors of The Bannatyne Group are setting off on the challenge of a lifetime to raise £100,000 for the company’s two chosen charities.
Inspired by the Tour de France, the five directors, Justin Musgrove (47), Anthony Elliott (36), Ken Campling (53), Steve Hancock (51) and Ed James (37) will leave Inverness on the 8th July, and cycle the 762 miles to Eastbourne, arriving 8 days later on 15th July.The team will stop at a number of Bannatyne health clubs en route.
The beneficiaries of the ‘Tour de Bannatyne’, which will test their strength and stamina to the limits, will be Look Good Feel Better and Operation Smile UK.
Simon Bailes Peugeot, which has dealerships in Stockton, Northallerton and Guisborough has offered its support to the endeavour with the donation of a specially liveried van to transport support staff and equipment.
Justin Musgrove, Chief Executive of The Bannatyne Group, said: “We are all very grateful to the businesses and organisations that have given us support and the van from Simon Bailes is absolutely vital to the logistics of the whole ride.
“It’s a daunting prospect to be cycling more than 750 miles but the thought of the two fantastic charities we are raising money for will keep us going.”
Simon Bailes said: “As soon as we heard about this challenge we knew we had to get involved and support it.
“As a business we work with many local good causes and organisations and we are delighted to help the Bannatyne directors with their fundraising. I personally support Operation Smile UK so it was all the more rewarding to be able to help this particular project.
“Providing a van is the easy bit, cycling 762 miles is very tough and I wish them the very best of luck!”
Look Good Feel Better is the only worldwide cancer support charity, providing practical support for women struggling with the side effects from cancer treatment.
The charity is dedicated to improving the self-esteem, confidence and wellbeing of people undergoing treatment for any sort of cancer. Its aim is to improve their self-image and appearance through free group and self-help skincare and make-up workshops that create a sense of support, confidence, and wellbeing.
Duncan Bannatyne has personally travelled on a number of medical missions, to see for himself the life-enhancing work Operation Smile carries out. The charity believes every child deserves exceptional surgical care for those with oral defects such as cleft palates. Since 1982 it has provided 240,000 free surgeries for children and young adults born with cleft lip, cleft palate and other facial deformities, giving them a smile they might only have dreamt of.
Anyone wishing to donate can do so here http://uk.