May 9, 2013 11.23 am This story is over 130 months old

Lincoln businesses cycle from London to Paris for charity

In lycra for charity: Nine staff from Lincoln businesses began their cycle journey on Wednesday from London to Paris as part of a big fundraising drive.
Lycra for charity (L-R): Simon Sewell, Simon Gregory, Tim Clark, Andrew Buckley, Rob Key, Hayley Townsend, Tim Wright and Julian Anyan

Nine Lincoln businesses began their cycle journey on Wednesday from London to Paris as part of a big fundraising drive.

Overall, 120 people take part on the 300 mile ride from Crystal Palace to Paris for a number of local charities.

From Lincoln, the team includes Simon Gregory, Managing Director of Lindum Construction, Tim Clark of C&S Partnership, Tim Wright from Health Farm Day Nursery, Scothern, Andrew Buckley, Farm Director of Lockwood Farms, local farmers Julian Anyan and Robert Key, Simon Sewell and Hayley Townsend of Lighthouse Property Services Andrew Spetch, National Topsoil Manager for British Sugar.

Between them the group will be raising £20,000 for charities such as LIVES First Responders and the Lincolnshire MS Therapy Centre.

Simon Gregory said: “When we discussed doing this six months ago it seemed a good idea but now the reality of what we’re about to do has hit home, especially considering the furthest I’ve cycled on a regular basis is three miles to my local pub!

“We have however, been busy preparing for the ride, both training and getting as much sponsorship as possible for our chosen charities.

“I’ve even resorted to threatening friends and colleagues with photographs of me in lycra if they don’t hand over their cash and this has had the desired effect with my sponsorship already exceeding £5,000.”

The team arrived in London on May 8 at 6.15am to take on the first 95 miles, but weather meant the start was delayed until midday, which they did not arrive in Calais until 11pm.

Simon added: “Can’t say I am looking forward to reacquainting my rear end with the saddle again this morning.”

Today, May 9, the team will cycle 75 miles from Calais via Montreuil to Abbeville. It is hoped they will get to the Eiffel Tower on May 11.