Tackling ‘Tour de Pennines’ to raise funds for The Prince of Wales Hospice

A team from TotalEnergies Marketing UK Limited, has raised £2,100 for The Prince of Wales Hospice by successfully completing a 160-mile cycling challenge.

The team of six riders took on the ‘Tour de Pennines’, cycling from their offices in Ferrybridge, to the company’s Bitumen Plant in Preston, Lancashire.

Cycling 160 miles over two days, including the return leg on day two, the journey was a test of endurance for the team which saw them climb some of the steepest hills in the country.

The company is a long-standing supporter of The Prince of Wales Hospice and has taken part in its annual cyclothon for five years. Due to the pandemic however, the popular fundraising event had to be cancelled for the second year running. A team therefore decided to take on their own challenge in order to raise money for the Hospice.

The team comprised John Ryder, Iain Mitchell, Tom Hyde, Roy Taylor, Chris Ralph and Patrick Howley.
 
Travelling in the team’s support vehicle was Wayne Clarida, who works in the marketing team at Total UK.

John Ryder said: “Like many charitable organisations which rely on fundraising activities in order to continue operating, The Prince of Wales Hospice has had a challenging time due to the restrictions introduced in response to Covid-19. When we found out the cyclothon was cancelled for the second year, we decided we needed to do something else instead. And so, the Tour de Pennines idea was born!

“The ride was extremely challenging for the whole team as we were in the saddle for almost 10 hours each day. It involved a lot of sweat, some blood, but thankfully no tears, and all in aid for of a super charity. We are delighted to have raised over £2,000 for the Hospice to help the team continue delivering the amazing services they provide.”