Firm backs charity trek
Martin Pitchford (centre) from Henshalls, with Simon Broad (left) and Mark Bagshaw
A Shropshire insurance broker renowned for its support of community initiatives is backing a charity cycle challenge.
Henshalls, which has offices in Newport High Street and in Shrewsbury, has pledged its support for the Raid Pyrenean trek.
Twelve intrepid local cyclists will put themselves to the test to ride 710 kilometres in 100 hours across the Pyrenees, and their efforts will benefit both local and national charities.
Organiser Simon Broad said: "It's a classic cycling test, and our team can't wait to get going on our epic journey."
The challenge will raise funds for Newport First Responders, The Layla Pitt Remembrance Fund, and the Macmillan Trust. And Henshalls have donated £250 towards the group's fund raising, in support of such a demanding challenge.
Martin Pitchford, for Henshalls, said: "We are extremely proud of our record of supporting community projects and organisations, and we believe it's vital to give back to local causes.
"The Raid Pyrenean team really are challenging themselves in order to raise vital charity cash, and we're delighted to be backing them all the way."
The team will start their ride on August 31, and finish on September 4 - and incredibly, it's not the first time some of the team members have taken part in such a trip.
Simon said: "In 1995, four members of Newport Cycling Club - Lana Savchenko, Dave Preece, and my father Ken and I - joined two friends from a Manchester club to ride the same route.
"We successfully completed the ride in aid of the John Simpson charitable appeal, and this time round we're hoping to raise in the region of a five-figure sum for our chosen charities."
As well as Simon and Ken, other riders hoping to take part this year are Mark Bagshaw, Ian Barton, Steve Bowers, Barry Bowen, Phil Evans, Chris Jones, Gary Parkman, Tim Roberts and Sam Westwood.
Ken, a former racing cyclist, will also act as accommodation organiser and interpreter, and the riders will be supported by a back-up team of Duncan Parsonage (a qualified paramedic), and two driver/mechanics, Nick Allcock and Chris Leese.
To find out more or to sponsor the team email Simon at newportcarpets@btconnect.com
