Swapping pumps... pubs expert takes to two wheels for charity challenge
AN Ashbourne man whose job is to support the pub industry is swapping the bar for a bicycle for four days, to take on a gruelling twowheeled charity challenge.
Stephen Alton, CEO of the British Institute of Innkeeping is hoping to raise thousands of pounds to support people facing homelessness and financial and emotional hardship by cycling 335km across the deserts and mountains of the Middle East.
Mr Alton will be joining 26 other riders from across the UK taking in the Pedalling For Pubs challenge in Jordan, which they all aim to compete in just four days.
The hospitality industry champion, who is also a director of Best Bar None, a Director of Skills and Education Group, an adviser for the charity Only A Pavement Away and also a member of the Government Hospitality Sector Council, has spent the last two years training for the ride, which has been delayed by the pandemic.
But he says he is now ready to tackle the challenge, which begins on Friday, March 11.
He said: “I’m not really a cyclist but wanted to do something to help people in hospitality or currently unemployed and facing some of the toughest times financially and personally, as we continue to try and come out of the pandemic. I’m really excited to be taking on such a big challenge.
“Training around the beautiful Derbyshire countryside has been hugely challenging but still hasn’t prepared me fully for cycling 335km in four days.
“Knowing that the monies raised will be life-changing for those facing real hardship and for those who have lost so much in the pandemic, will keep me focused.”
The 27 hardy riders, including Mr Alton, have already raised close to the £200,000 with the aim of hitting £250,000 by the time they complete the 335km route, over the tricky mountainous terrain.
The extreme challenge is raising funds for Only A Pavement Away and Licensed Trade Charity.
Rooted in hospitality, both charities stage interventions for people facing homelessness, joblessness, health issues and financial hardship.
They have been fundamental in helping those who have faced personal crisis – and could still lose everything as a result of the pandemic – get back on their feet. Mr Alton has set an ambitious fundraising target of £10,000 and is appealing to the community to help raise a further £1,500 to hit his target and ensure the money raised can help lift people out of financial and emotional hardship.
He said: “The British Institute of Innkeeping has over 10,000 members running great pubs across the country and I have seen first hand the work they do in their communities to help others in real need.
“This is my opportunity to play my part and make a real difference supporting these two fantastic charities. “My training, whilst challenging, has allowed me to see all areas of the stunning Derbyshire countryside and also to drop into our fabulous local pubs to have a well earned pint”
The money he raises will allow Only A Pavement Away and Licensed Trade Charity to provide a lifeline, and a chance for people to receive the help they need, when they need it the most.
To donate, visit justgiving.com/ fundraising/steven-alton4
I’m not really a cyclist but wanted to help people in hospitality or currently unemployed.