“VENDING DOES PARIS”: BENDERS TEAM GEARS UP TO TAKE PART IN TOWER-TO-TOWER BIKE RIDE

“VENDING DOES PARIS”: BENDERS TEAM GEARS UP TO TAKE PART IN TOWER-TO-TOWER BIKE RIDE

Benders’ very own Andy Cunliffe and Ian Keeffe are among a group of over a dozen members of leading UK companies in the vending industry taking part in an epic bike ride, from The Tower of London to the Eiffel Tower – all in the name of charity.

Andy Cunliffe, our Managing Director (right), and Ian Keeffe, our Vending Sales Manager (left) were invited by born-again cyclists Roger Bunn (Senior Account Manager at Crane Merchandising Systems) and David Brady (Director at Horeca Ltd) to join them on their “Vending Does Paris” event back in October 2014.

 

Outside of Benders, Andy can be found pushing the limits of windsurfing and kitesurfing, or pounding out the miles on the roads of Leciestershireon his bike. Andy’s feeling pretty anxious about the mammoth trip to France, but this is far outweighed by his excitement to face the challenge ahead!

Ian, an ardent follower of Southampton football club, has been cycling since his uphill paper round as a youngster, and has been a cyclist his whole life. Regardless of his cycling experience and ability to endure even the most taxing riding conditions, Ian knows that this particular ride is going to hurt!

The team will be setting off from The Tower of London on the morning of 4th June, and arriving at Paris’ Eiffel Tower on 7th June, covering an incredible 285 miles in total on their journey – not leaving much time for R&R.

Many, many hours of dedicated training time is being put in to prepare for this exciting challenge, all in the name of Macmillan Cancer Support and EdUKaid, a charity committed to improving education and changing lives in Tanzania.

The aim is for each member of the cycling team to raise an impressive £500 in sponsorships, for donations to both of these charities. Ian, Andy and the rest of the team can be sponsored through Virgin Money Giving, a not for profit organisation, and Gift Aid will be claimed on a charity’s behalf where the donor is eligible.

All donations will go directly to these charities, as Ian, Andy and each member of the team is paying their own way for accommodation and food throughout the journey.

The rest of the team here at Benders will be donating generously and cheering on Ian, Andy and the entire cycling squad building up to the big event – we’re just glad it’s not us!

We’re all incredibly appreciative of any support you can give to these amazing charities, too.

Thank you!


About the Author

Hannah Jones
Marketing Executive- Benders Paper Cups
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