Biker barbers cut through Covid restrictions to ride for charity
1100-mile ride goes ahead despite coronavirus complications
Charities throughout the UK have suffered a huge financial hit as a result of cancelled fundraising events during lockdown, but thanks to the efforts of a determined band of scissorweidling bikers there is at least one worthy cause guaranteed to receive a significant donation.
The BarbersRide is a five-day, 1100-mile tour of the UK, linking daily destinations at some of Britain’s best barbershops via a route that takes in many of the nation’s greatest roads. 2020 marks the fourth year for this unique event, which has previously raised £39,000 for such good causes as Liverpool’s Alder Hey Children’s Hospital and London’s Great Ormond Street as well as this year’s sole beneficiary, Make-A-Wish, who help create life-changing memories for children with critical illnesses. With 28 bikes on board, BarbersRide 2020 saw a record turnout and is expected to raise at least £20,000. Travelling in their own self-imposed, socially-distanced bubble and spending up to 10 hours a day on the road, the group departed the Master Barber’s Shop in Southport on August 9 to stop off at Llanelli, Bournemouth, Leigh-on-Sea and Northampton before enjoying a triumphant finale at Gilly’s Barbers in Baildon, West Yorkshire on August 13. “Motorcycles are our passion,” says organiser Richie Finney of Captain Fawcett Ltd, who founded BarbersRide along with Xavier Berrell from Reuzel. “Our success to date has exceeded our wildest expectations with support from businesses in the barbering and biking worlds.”
For details on the 2021 ride visit www.barbersride.com. To donate search for BarbersRide on JustGiving.
‘Our success has exceeded our wildest hopes’ RICHIE FINNEY, RIDE ORGANISER