Coach industry cycling for charity

The inaugural ‘Beast of Durham’ charity cycling challenge will take place this Saturday (15 June), with a number of well-known faces from the industry.

Created by Stanley Travel’s owner, Andrew Scott, the event will see cyclists set off from the Beamish Park Hotel, north of Stanley, and complete 60 miles, with climbs totalling 6,400 feet – though with a pub lunch at the midway point. All proceeds will go to the Heel and Toe Children’s Charity, which provides therapy for disabled children in the north-east.

“I’m only a hobby cyclist but I thought this would be a fun way to raise money,” said Andrew. “I’m very pleased that so many from the industry are taking part, at all cycling skill levels. One is using an electric bike. It’s not a competition, though I’m sure an element of that will creep into it!”

Among riders are Chris Owen and Gareth Hughes (Alpine Travel); Steven Meyerhoff, Mark Davies and Jon Myhill (Backhouse Jones Solicitors); Scott Bell and Laura Hadzik (JMW Solicitors); Luke Stone, Graeme Bakur, Chris Waller, Andrew Waller and Andrew Scott (Stanley Travel); Tim Fairless (VDL Coach Sales); John Johnson (Johnson Coaches); Nigel Skill (Skills Coaches); Andy Watkiss (Birmingham International); and Michael Lightfoot (formerly of Durham City Coaches).

Anyone wishing to cheer the riders along can find the route HERE. If you would like to donate to the charity instead, go to https://heelandtoe.org.uk/donate-now/ Andrew hopes to make the ride an annual event.