The BDCI Charity Cycle Challenge has been hailed a tremendous success. In completing the tour of four nations the four riders, all of whom are meat industry employees, covered almost 600 miles and raised an incredible £33,600 – with donations still coming in!
Mark Allen, John Mercer, Stuart Roberts and Eoin Ryan cycled through England, Wales, Ireland and Scotland during the weeklong tour for the meat industry charity, the BDCI (Butchers and Drovers Charitable Institution).
The gruelling trip began in Shrewsbury on Monday 15th August and ended in Edinburgh on Monday 22nd August. Along the way, the team stopped at various meat plants and industry related venues to raise awareness of the charity amongst potential beneficiaries.
Andrew Garvey, marketing co-ordinator for the BDCI and a member of the support team during the cycle challenge, said: "The BDCI Cycle Challenge was extremely hard work but the four guys did a great job. Not only did they have to tackle difficult terrain and weather along the way, but there were a few accidents and incidents too. However they did it in style and received some wonderful support. We are all thrilled by the amount of money that has been raised and the generosity of everyone who made a donation to the meat industry charity, the BDCI."
Commenting on the success of the cycle ride, BDCI festival chairman and Bord Bia Britain general manager, Beatrice Blake, said: "I want to send my personal thanks and congratulations to Mark, John, Stuart and Eoin for taking the time to complete the Cycle Challenge.
"With over £33,000 received in donations along with additional support given in the way of sponsorship including accommodation, food and ferry tickets from a number of meat-based businesses, the BDCI will now be able to help even more people connected with the meat industry.
"It really is thanks to the hard work of the four men that we have been able to raise these funds, and also awareness of the charity amongst meat industry employees - past and present - in all four nations."
The BDCI Annual Festival Dinner is up next, taking place at the Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane on Friday 14th October. With comedian Al Murray signed up as the MC for the night and music from Tony Hadley of Spandau Ballet as well as a menu devised by chef Ross Lewis of Dublin’s Michelin starred Chapter One restaurant - this year’s Festival Dinner is set to be a night to remember.
Details on how to obtain tickets can be found on the BDCI website: www.bdci.uk.com, by e-mailing info@bdci.com or by calling 01727 896094.
