August 13, 2014 11.01 am This story is over 114 months old

Lincolnshire Co-op duo smash charity bike ride fundraising goal

Charity ride: Two Co-op staff members aiming to cycle the length of Britain have smashed their fundraising goal already.

Two Lincolnshire Co-op staff have raised over £6,000 for their upcoming charity bike ride.

Andrew Turner and Roger Brown will cycle from Land’s End on August 26 to John o’Groats, aiming to arrive on September 6 – a distance of around 1,000 miles.

The pair will cycle for the Co-op’s Charity of the year, Alzheimer’s Society, and aimed to raise £5,000 for the charity.

However, they have already managed to raise £6,068.99 of their goal.

Roger Brown, a Building Maintenance Supervisor from Saxilby, said: “I knew about Alzheimer’s and the devastating impact that it has, but I wasn’t aware just how many people were affected until we started fundraising, speaking to people and hearing their stories.

“I think what we do as an organisation for good causes and fundraising is excellent, not just for the charity of choice but also for bringing staff together. In organising events, people interact in a way that they might not do in their normal workplace.”

Andrew Turner, Head of Group Services from Woodhall Spa, added: “The hardest element of it has been trying to find routes that replicate what we’re likely to encounter over the 12 days, that aren’t too flat.

“I’ve become very familiar with the quiet roads of the Lincolnshire Wolds – and when the weather is kind, some of views are fantastic.

“The support and generosity has also been fantastic. It’s been amazing to talk to so many people who can connect with the work of Alzheimer’s Society and it’s a touching reminder of how many people have witnessed loved ones trying to come to terms with this disease.

“Providing support for our communities is very much a part of Lincolnshire Co-op’s DNA, and it’s great to have the opportunity to be a small part of something that makes a big difference at a local level.”

The pair are training three to four times a week, cycling up to 60 miles each day from their homes.

Roger Brown says he has already lost two stones in weight since beginning his train regime too.

“I’m feeling increasingly confident as my training progresses,” he said, “But a little apprehensive of the mammoth task if I’m honest!”

You can sponsor Andrew and Roger online at their Just Giving page.