Cyclists getting in gear for epic London to Paris ride
Two men are gearing up for a gruelling challenge that will see them cycle nearly 24 hours over three days.
Harry Phipps, from Maidstone and Ian Pateman, from Sittingbourne are among a number of employees with tax advisory firm Grant Thornton taking part to help The Children’s Trust.
The epic cycle will leave London and travel to Paris between Thursday, September 1 and Saturday, September 3.
Riders will have to complete about 150km a day to cover the challenge’s 450km distance.
It will also involve more than 4, 600 metres of climbing, almost the height of Mont Blanc, and participants can “look forward” to burning about 12,000 calories.
The ride is part of the firm’s drive to raise money for the trust and nearly £10,000 has been secured so far. The charity helps children who have suffered a brain injury.
The Kent duo will be joined by Rachel Parker, Martin Verrall and Sarah True and the group are organising all elements of the challenge themselves.
Mr Verrall said: “I’m looking forward to seeing Harry’s face when we reach Dover and he realises we have another 200 miles to go. In all seriousness, I am so proud of my colleagues for signing up, none of us were keen cyclists, Harry and Sarah didn’t even have bikes.
“We are training so hard, but what’s kept us motivated is knowing what a difference the donations will make.”
Jane Shufflebotham, fundraising executive for The Children’s Trust, said: “We are so proud that Grant Thornton is supporting us as their Charity of the Year.
“We are so grateful for all their hard work and wish them the best of luck on their upcoming fundraising challenges.”