SIX FRIENDS conquered a 300-mile run and cycle relay from Coventry to Land’s End and have raised more than £7,000 for charity.
The group set off from the War Memorial Park and battled the elements during the 48-hour challenge before arriving at the finish line in Cornwall.
Titled ‘Tour de Friends’, the challenge was organised by Coventry-based personal trainer Niki Stinson and friend Sally Skidmore.
Local children’s cancer charity Bethany’s Wish and Myton Hospice benefited from the group’s fundraising efforts.
Coventry law firm Band Hatton Button and utilities and energy consultants Utility Team also gave their backing as corporate sponsors and donated £500 each to the cause.
Niki, who also participated in the challenge, said: “We knew it was going to be a difficult challenge and although we had taken part in training before the event, nothing could prepare us for the weather and the hills in Cornwall.
“It was quite horrendous for a lot of the weekend so I am really proud of the team for persevering and for finishing the challenge.
“It was such an amazing feeling to reach the finish line and we all got quite emotional.
“Donations can still be made on our Virgin Money Giving page and we are arranging a quiz night and further raffle, as we have lots of prizes due to the generosity of many people.”
Julie Calcott, partner at Band Hatton Button in Warwick Road, was a member of the support team and watched her husband Steve complete the challenge.
Julie added: “It was an amazing event to be a part of – although I was quite glad to be a member of the support team and not part of the challenge team, especially going over Dartmoor in the dark.
“What they have achieved is fantastic and both myself and the rest of the team at Band Hatton Button are really proud of them.
“As a firm we have been raising money for Myton Hospice for a number of years so when we found out about the challenge we jumped at the chance to support the team.”
Grace Breen is business manager at Utility Team in Herald Avenue and also took part in the challenge.
She added: “I think a lot of us were nervous going into the challenge but we all supported each other and that really helped us to push through to the end.
“We were all tired but it was definitely worth it to reach the finish line and realise what we had achieved.”
To donate money to support Tour de Friends please visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/team/TourdeFriendstoLandsEnd
