Charitable funds raised by the UK business supplies sector and its long-established annual Climb of Life (COL) initiative will be boosted as of this year by the addition of a sister event.
Coordinated by Sean Starkey, MD of Durable and a small committee of volunteers, the Ride of Life (ROL) aims to tap into the increasing popularity of road cycling to raise much-needed donations for the Institute of Cancer Research (ICR).
The ICR is the largest cancer centre in Europe, working with many international medical and research organisations with the ultimate aim of completely defeating the insidious disease. It has benefited from the COL for the past 11 years, with the 2017 climb raising more than £100,000 for the fourth consecutive year.
The inaugural ROL takes place on Friday 7 September, starting from the ICR campus in Sutton, Surrey with two challenging routes being proposed. The longer 100km (65 miles) route takes in the iconic climbs of Leith Hill and Box Hill while a shorter 67km (37 miles) route also includes Box Hill, where much of the action of the 2012 Olympic road race took place.
Around 20 industry executives have already pledged to participate but there are still places available, and anyone interested is encouraged to contact Sean Starkey. It promises to be a unique day of great cycling together with industry networking and camaraderie – and all for a very worthy cause.
Commenting on the news, COL chairman Graeme Chapman MBE – who formed COL 31 years ago – said:
“I’m delighted that the ROL has been created, providing the opportunity to involve those who have not been involved with COL and with the aim of raising more funds for the excellent ICR. Our aim is to again raise more than £100,000 this year and I wish each rider the best of luck for their fundraising.”
ROL organiser, Sean Starkey, added:
“The Ride of Life committee and I are delighted to be supporting the ICR with this new initiative, as well as the sterling and continued work done by Graeme and his Climb of Life team.”
Be the first to comment