Charity benefits from special ride

A GROUP of energetic workmates are using pedal power to raise money for a wheelie good cause.

The employees are saddling up to raise more than £10,000 for Cyclists Fighting Cancer.

A 13-strong team will be tackling the three day long 200 mile Garden of England tour through Kent.

Street works co-ordinator, Stacy Train, 28, is based at EDF Energy's offices in Fore Hamlet, Ipswich. She is a member of the support staff in the team hoping to raise the sum, which her company have agreed to match the amount raised pound for pound.

She said: “This is my third year helping our team and it promises to be another great occasion.

“My official role is to make sure the route is clearly marked and that everyone has access to refreshments.

“Most of the time, you'll find me cheering our team members along, urging every rider to keep pedalling to clock up those miles for charity.”

On Friday the team sets off from Tunbridge Wells to reach the historic town of Canterbury, on Saturday the cyclists leave Canterbury for Rye and the final day will see them make the return journey to Tunbridge Wells.

The ride is the third event of the year organised by the MAC Cycling Society which sprung from the energy provider's commitment to the London to Brighton cycle ride.

Earlier this summer the team embarked on a 140 mile ride, over two days, around the Isle of Wight and also took part in another long distance ride in Kent.

Mike Grisenthwaite, founder and chairman of Cyclists Fighting Cancer, said: “We are really delighted that members of EDF Energy are going to all this effort to fundraise for us as we are a small charity and any contributions provides a massive boost.

“This will help us to continue to provide that added help to children and young adults who are going through their battle with cancer by promoting cycling to help them through their rehabilitation.”