Former Conservative employment secretary Norman Tebbit is famous for having implored the unemployed to get on their bikes and look for work.
Branston employees have hopped on to their bikes for a different reason altogether, though, as they tackled the potato supplier's'big cycle' charity event.
Twelve employees, made up of both experienced and less-experiencedcyclists, took part in a 100-mile cycle challenge through theLincolnshire Wolds, starting and finishing at the business' Lincoln site.
Each Branston site fundraises yearly for staff-selected local charities of the year, butthis was the first year that all sites have taken part in one single event andfundraised collectively for their chosen charities.
This year, the Scotland site in Perth is fundraising for the Childrenʼs HospiceAssociation Scotland (CHAS); the Lincoln site is supporting Sands, thestillbirth and neonatal death charity; and the Somerset siteʼschosen charity is Childrenʼs Hospice South West.
Despite a cold and misty start the team pushed on and their perseverancepaid off when the sun came out just before lunch. The cyclists all successfullycompleted the challenge, and celebrated with a trip to the localpub to rest their legs.
Although donations are still rolling in, the current total stands at over £3,000for Sands, £350 for CHAS and £500 for the Childrenʼs Hospice South West,which Branston has pledged to match. You can still donate, via this link.
James Truscott, managing director at Branston, said: 'After a rather chilly start the team soon got into their stride with everyone
crossing the line of the 102.5-mile course in 7 hours and 15 minutes.
'I would personally like to take this opportunity to thank all involved who helpedsupport this and other activities - in the process raising money to support thewonderful work these charities do.'
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