The EIC Charity Cycle Ride: A wheely great way to raise £10k

BY TOBY PORTER toby@slpmedia.co.uk

A team of amateur cyclists biked across the UK and raised more than £10,000 for charity.

Vauxhall-based staff members of the Energy Industries Council (EIC) cycled from Aberdeen to London in six days, travelling more than 130 miles on some days.

The EIC Charity Cycle Ride challenge formed part of the EIC’s 75th anniversary celebrations.

The cyclists, Tom Bacon, Oliver Barnes, Neil Golding, Lara Juergens, Mark Risley, Andrew Scutter and Richard Vale began the 600-mile trip on June 7 from the EIC’s Aberdeen office, stopping by the Teesside office, and finished on the June 12 at the London HQ.

Neil Golding, head of oil and gas and business development, said: “The six days were gruelling, full of scary A roads, punctures and lots of uphill climbs.

“What kept us going were the generous donations, the support we received from our friends and colleagues and the kind people we met en-route who cheered us on.

“Of course, the real motivation was knowing that we were raising money for two great charities.

“Six hundred miles in six days is no mean feat for anyone, let alone seven inexperienced cyclists, so we’ve all spent the last six months preparing, cycling to and from work, in some cases covering over 40 miles a day, as well as going out on regular team rides.”

The funds raised from the challenge go to Cancer Research UK and The Ocean Cleanup, a non-profit organisation that develops advanced technologies to rid the world’s oceans from plastic.

Beyond the money already raised, the EIC is still hopeful it can reach its target of £20,000 raised for the two charities.

Donations can be made at www.gofundme.com/the-eic-charity-cycle-challenge.