A team of intrepid cyclists braved non-stop torrential rain to ride 127 miles from Wigan to Wolverhampton and raise nearly £8,000 to date for a young persons’ homelessness charity.
The team of 20 riders from Midlands logistics firm Pallet-Track and its shareholder members took on the challenge over the weekend of August 7 and 8 in support of St Basils, which provides help for young people who are homeless or are at risk of becoming homeless.
The riders, including Pallet-Track CEO Caroline Green and Barrie Hodge from St Basils, relied on pedal power alone to make the journey from the company’s northern hub in Ashton-in-Makerfield to its central hub near Bilston.
St Basils is Pallet-Track’s nominated charity for 2021 and is the sole beneficiary of all its fundraising efforts this year.
Caroline said: “The conditions were incredibly bad, so a huge well done to everyone who took part.
“We had biblical rain throughout the first day and it was pouring with rain again on the second day.
“We encountered punctures and plenty of challenges but everyone completed the ride with a smile on their face. We’re delighted to finish the event, come rain or shine, for a fantastic cause.”
In a message to the riders who took part, Barrie Hodge, head of fundraising and communications at St Basils, said: “I just wanted to take a minute and thank you so much for organising such a brilliant event. What an incredible turn out from all the people who took part.
“The commitment to keep going during that horrendous weather was just amazing to see. I’ve honestly never cycled in weather as bad as that before and I’m from Scotland!”
