STAFF from intu Metrocentre have taken part in their very own ‘Tour de Metrocentre’ to raise money to help disabled children in the North East.
The cyclethon forms part of June’s Go Bananas fundraising campaign, which sees people across the region raising money for The Chronicle Sunshine Fund, supporting children with disabilities and life limiting illnesses in the North East.
Six members from intu Metrocentre’s management, cycled 100 miles in six hours during National Bike Week (11-19 June) to help reach the Sunshine Fund’s £60,000 target for June.
“Our ‘Tour de Metrocentre’ cyclethon was a really fun way of raising money for the amazing Sunshine Fund appeal, whilst also helping us promote the National Bike Week campaign,” said Gareth Evans, intu’s Sustainable Travel Manager – who took part in the cycle challenge.
“I’m incredibly proud of intu Metrocentre’s team and the brilliant colleagues who supported us on the day, by collecting donations and ensuring we were kept cool and hydrated.”
intu Metrocentre’s cycling team was made up of Simon Tucker, who cycled 16 miles, Gareth Evans and Chris Taylor, who cycled 18 miles each, Alex Hay and Stephen Roberts, who both cycled 14 miles and Andrew Riley, who cycled 17 miles. The team then took it in turns to complete the final few miles.
“Cycling 100 miles is a huge achievement and I’m delighted that our efforts raised £360 for such a deserving North East charity,” said Gareth Evans.
“As a company, intu is keen to promote cycling to and from our centres and we’re looking to do even more fundraising cycle challenges in the future.”
The Chronicle Sunshine Fund supplies specialist equipment for children with disabilities that can’t be funded by anyone else.
This year’s Go Bananas June campaign will support 10 disabled children across the region, as well as funding a new sensory room, interactive whiteboard and more for the Sunderland Autism Outreach Team, which hundreds will benefit from.
For further information on future events at intu Metrocentre, go to http://intu.co.uk/metrocentre or to donate to the Sunshine Fund, visit http://sunshine-fund.org/