Industry cyclists conquer Vietnam challenge
Team of convenience and impulse riders raise six figures for landmine charity
A selection of wholesale’s great and good got in the saddle to cycle across Vietnam to raise money for charity.
The group of 24 people from across the convenience and impulse sector travelled 500 kilometres in five days using just pedal power to raise more than £117,000 (and rising) for the Mines Advisory Group (MAG).
All the proceeds raised from the effort is going towards bringing peace and safety to people who live in fear of landmines.
A host of recognisable names, including Bolt’s Tom Fender and TWC Director Tanya Pepin made the trip, along with Sugro Managing Director Neil Turton, who is a trustee of MAG.
Each rider raised at least £5,000 for the event, with a special ‘80s night featuring music icons Paul Young, Cheryl Baker and Jamie Moses held in January to boost the coffers.
The team decided to take on the challenge in Vietnam because the south-east Asian nation is one of the most heavily bombed countries, with an estimated six million unexploded bombs still thought to be scattered over the countryside.
The money raised by the team will be used to help people in countries, from Angola to Bosnia and Zimbabwe.
FWD’s Director of Communications David Visick was also in the party of manufacturers, retailers and wholesalers taking part, and was delighted by the support the team received throughout the industry.
“Seeing how the after effects of war affect the daily life of people 50 years later was a real eye opener and put our fundraising efforts into context,” said Visick.
“We had great support from throughout the supply chain and the result is a fantastic effort by the entire industry to help save lives and build futures.
“It’s an experience we’ll never forget and we may have gone to Vietnam as industry colleagues but we’ve come back as friends.”
If you’d like to add to the fundraising total, visit the team’s Just Giving page to donate.
Bolt Learning charity cycle David Visick fundraiser FWD industry MAG Neil Turton Sugro Tanya Pepin Tom Fender TWC Vietnam wholesale
