Super six aim to be champion fundraisers

THEY are keen cyclists who are used to piling on the pedal power – but now six riders will really be going the extra mile and then some as they take on a marathon charity challenge.

The Champion Group, based in Wella Road, Basingstoke, have chosen to support Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance (HIOWAA) as their char-ity of the year, and the community-focused company is bidding to raise as much money as possible in 2023.

One of the fundraising feats will take things to a new level as six cyclists are gearing up to take on a mammoth one-day trek – and the team are proud to launch the ambitious ride to mark World Bicycle Day on Saturday, June 3.

Kevin Croombs, group accountant at the award-winning construction industry company, said: “We are encouraging our staff to undertake fundraising throughout the year, and some of the team have come up with the idea of cycling 154 miles in one day around Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

“HIOWAA deliver their life-serving service for free across the two counties so our keen cyclists, led by Adam Chandler, who is Champion Homes contracts manager, wanted to cover the same area on two wheels.”

Kevin added: “The riders will set off from the Champion Group offices in Basingstoke on Friday, August 18 and will go the 154-mile distance, taking in a stop off at HIOWAA’s base in Thruxton.

“Our riders are experienced cyclists but they will really be pushing their bodies to the limit for this challenge. We hope they will be well supported as HIOWAA relies entirely on donations and does not receive any Government funding.”

Kevin and Mark Jones, partnerships manager at Destination Basingstoke, will be providing back up support for the riders – and it is hoped that the super cyclists will attract plenty of sponsorship support from individuals and companies.

Kevin said: “We will be producing special shirts to commemorate this epic trek, and there are 24 sponsor positions up for grabs at a cost of just £200 for any business that would like to support the team and get their logo on the shirt.”

Sponsors are already signing up, and anyone who wants to find out more, or sponsor the individual riders, can go to https://www.justgiving.com/team/hampshireloopy

The team have also received great support from Fyffes, in Basingstoke, as the company will be providing them with bananas to help keep them fed and fuelled.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance Director of Income and Engagement Keith Wilson said: "We are in awe of anyone who takes on such an adventurous and gruelling fundraising challenge for our charity. The team at The Champion Group can be sure that their efforts will directly impact lives in the region, and they have the support from us and our patients who so desperately need our help."

To find out more about the amazing work that is done by HIOWAA, go to https://www.hiowaa.org

Leg 1 - https://www.strava.com/routes/3093429598470184008

Leg 2 - https://www.strava.com/routes/3093440439726479790

Leg 3 - https://www.strava.com/routes/3093446442816801476