Poultry industry peloton raises £45k for charity
Cyclists from the UK and European poultry industry have raised more than £45,000 for a children’s charity following a gruelling 500-mile ride.
Nearly 30 cyclists completed the six-day “Tour de Ross”, which was organised by leading poultry breeding company Aviagen to help celebrate 60 years of its Ross brand.
The trip, which began with a marathon 106-mile ride from Wrexham to Hereford, stopped at locations of each of Aviagen’s UK customers: Annyalla, Cargill, PD Hook, Faccenda, Banham, Crown and Moy Park as well as the Aviagen base at Stratford.
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The trip, which began with a marathon 106-mile ride from Wrexham to Hereford, stopped at locations of each of Aviagen’s UK customers: Annyalla, Cargill, PD Hook, Faccenda, Banham, Crown and Moy Park as well as the Aviagen base at Stratford.
With additional support from 40 day riders from countries as far afield as Hungary and Italy, the team estimated that they clocked up a total of 17,816 miles but kept going at an average of 15mph, only suffering five punctures during the trip. The cyclists spent a total of 1,186 hours in the saddle and climbed a total of 4,974m over the ride.
The Honeypot Children’s Charity works to enhance the lives of young carers and vulnerable children aged 5-12. It is the only charity in the UK to provide respite breaks and ongoing outreach support through a child’s formative years.
‘Generosity’
Graeme Dear, Aviagen UK general manager, who completed the full route, said it was great the team had surpassed its £30,000 fund-raising target.
“The generosity and hospitality from all who have contributed has been overwhelming. It was important for us to mark 60 years of Ross by giving a charity close to our hearts and demonstrate that Aviagen cares about our vulnerable youth.
“The Honeypot Children’s Charity was chosen as the sole beneficiary of the Tour de Ross after we became inspired by its aim to change the lives for children who find themselves in the role of a carer at home.
“To be able to benefit them with the involvement and support of the UK and European chicken industry, who have been a key part of the Ross story, was just magnificent.”
Fellow cyclist Paul Pattison from Hooks2Sisters added: “The Tour de Ross was fantastic from start to finish and something that I will cherish and remember for many years to come.”
Rawle Beckles, director of Fundraising at the Honeypot Children’s Charity, said the generous support would make a real difference to the young carers and vulnerable children who stayed with the charity for respite breaks and ongoing outreach support.
Visit the Tour de Ross fundraising page to donate – www.justgiving.com/tourdeross