Ashfords office cycle challenge for charity

On Friday 18 July 2014, Tim Heal and Andrew Perkins of Ashfords LLP, will be completing an enduring and physical challenge by cycling from Ashfords' London to Exeter office to raise money for Children's Hospice South West (CHSW).

Covering almost 250 miles, both Tim and Andrew will be pushing themselves to the ultimate limit to reach the Exeter office within one day, making this one of Ashfords' biggest charity challenges of the year. While on route from London to Exeter, the cycling duo will be stopping in at Ashfords' Bristol, Taunton and Tiverton offices for a quick pit-stop and well deserved re-fuel.

Leaving Ashfords London office at New Fetter Lane at 12am on Friday, Tim and Andrew aim to arrive in Exeter by 6pm just in time to catch the Tour de France highlights which will be broadcast at the office to welcome their return and hopefully, to celebrate their success.

Naomi Dymond, Corporate Partnerships Fundraiser (Little Bridge House), from CHSW said: “We never fail to be amazed by the weird, wonderful and sometimes wacky ways our supporters choose to fundraise for us and Tim and Andrew’s challenge is no different. We are all so excited about their cycling event and will be rooting for them all the way from London to Devon. We rely almost entirely on voluntary donations so the support of Tim and Andrew and the whole of the Ashfords team means so much to each and every one of us. Thank you and good luck guys – have a safe and enjoyable trip!”

Andrew Perkins comments on the challenge: "The event really is a genuine challenge and finishing is by no means a certainty. The prevailing wind is a westerly, so unless it's still, we potentially face a headwind for the entire route.

"The longest ride either of us has done is around the 120 mile mark, so this is a real step into the unknown; to put it into context its probably the cycling equivalent of running 3 marathons back-to-back.

"All-in-all it is quite a daunting prospect and certainly not one we're entering into lightly.

"We've based our timings on a 15 mph average - allowing for brief stops at each office - I suspect our speeds will drop as the day goes on, but we're expecting to be joined by friend and colleagues for the final stint which will hopefully lift our morale - and our pace!"

All monies raised will go to Ashfords chosen Charity of the Year, CHSW. To sponsor Tim and Andrew, please visit their Virgin Money Giving page - http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/OfficeCycle. All donations will be greatly received.