Local business offers the chance to own a bit of cycling history - and help charity

Ipswich-based training, learning and development company, Adapt Limited is to auction off unique piece of cycling memorabilia for the UK’s leading cancer charity for children and young people, CLIC Sargent.

The bright green jersey which Adapt Limited has donated to CLIC Sargent is signed by champion Danish cyclist Sebastian Lander, winner of the sprints classification in the 2014 Tour of Britain which is to return to Ipswich on September 12.

Adapt Limited, which provide organisation development through training and learning services, acquired the jersey last month at the annual Willis Rooftop Garden Party organised by the Suffolk Chamber of Commerce. Guests at the prestigious event were said to have hushed as Matthew Potter of Birketts Solicitors and Adapt Limited’s own Leonard Potgieter went head to head on exercise bikes to win the famed green jersey.

Describing the impromptu competition which saw him take the prize for fastest cycle, Mr Potgieter said: “Once I knew I was 2nd on the leader board, I decided to give it a final attempt and was surprised to end up with the fastest time.”

The signed jersey will be auctioned live on CLIC Sargent’s eBay site, with bidding commencing on the first day of the Tour of Britain on September 6 and ending a week later on September 13, marking the end of the Tour.

Mr Potgieter added: “I’m thrilled to have won the jersey and the opportunity to raise funds and awareness for children and young people with cancer.”

The Tour coincides with Childhood Cancer Awareness Month during which CLIC Sargent is challenging supporters to raise £170; the amount of grant given to each family when their child is diagnosed with cancer. This can help families meet the sudden extra costs that a cancer diagnosis can bring. The grant is available at any time within the first 12 months of diagnosis, and can be used to cover food, travel or other day-to-day costs.

CLIC Sargent fundraising manager Daisy Turner says: “When a child is being treated for cancer, families will face extra costs, from parking and petrol to food and clothing. We know that this is a worry for many parents, especially if they have to reduce their working hours to care for their child.”

Managing director of Adapt Limited, Sharon Rich added: “We’re encouraging anyone who wishes to own a piece of cycling history to place their bids generously in support of a charity which provided 70 families with vital support in Suffolk alone last year.”

The signed jersey will be available to bid on from September 6 via http://stores.ebay.co.uk/clicsargentshop/