Blakemore Team Defies Heat and Hills to Complete GroceryAid Cycle

August 06, 2021

Ten cyclists from A.F. Blakemore and independent SPAR stores successfully completed an epic bike ride across Wales in aid of charity GroceryAid in July. 

The team took part in GroceryAid’s Coast to Coast challenge from 22nd to 24th July, enduring some of the hottest days of the year.

Covering 368km over three days, the ride took the fundraisers from North to South Wales, passing through Snowdonia National Park and the Brecon Beacons, and finishing in Cardiff.

With stunning scenery, the challenge featured 5,505m of climbs along the route. Open to participants across the whole grocery industry, the event was particularly well represented by the wholesale and convenience sector.

The Blakemore cycling team consisted of six AFB colleagues. BTP’s New Business Manager Stuart Ware and New Business Executives Paul Vinnell and Oliver Walters joined Blakemore Fresh Foods Operations Director Bob Cash, Head of Commercial Cy Wisenden and Retail IT Systems Trainer Iestyn Rhodes, as well as independent SPAR store owners Stuart Reade, Mark Steward, Ed Caro and David Macey. They teamed up with 70 other riders from all walks of the grocery industry on this gruelling tour.

Stuart Ware commented: “All Blakemore riders successfully finished the three days of cycling from North Wales to South Wales, with the biggest challenges being the heat, the hills and jelly legs!

“With an average of seven to nine hours in the saddle each day, the gruelling course took us through Happy Valley (not an appropriate name) on the first day, with a continuous uphill ride for miles in soaring heat, right through to the final few miles on the last day that took us on a tour of Cardiff and to a finish on the pier at Cardiff Bay.

“We all felt a great sense of achievement at the end and vowed to return next year to raise even more money, although it will be a while before the legs come back to life!”

GroceryAid has been providing emotional, practical and financial support for grocery colleagues since 1857.

All colleagues across the A.F. Blakemore group can access a range of free welfare support services offered via the organisation’s 24/7 helpline and website. This includes financial assistance, emotional support, health and wellbeing support, relationship advice, debt advice and counselling. Visit groceryaid.org.uk to find out more. 
 

It's not too late to donate: 

Please show the Blakemore cyclists your support by donating to the cause via their JustGiving page.

Simply click on the following link: 

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/afbcoasttocoast

Blakemore Retail store colleagues can bank monies using PLU 833. 

Check out a few photos from the ride: 

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