‘We’re ready for the challenge’ – Soton builders merchants gear up for 550-mile charity bike ride

Elliotts Builders Merchants are sending 12 of their finest over to Belgium this week as they prepare to cycle more than 550 miles in aid of the company’s charity of the year, Rainbow Trust.

Starting Thursday 28th September, the team will set off from Ostend, Belgium on a gruelling three-day journey, passing through Luxembourg and ending up in the Vosges mountains, France. They’ll cross the finish line at the peak of La Planche des Belles Filles.

Dan Coombes, Assistant Branch Manager at Elliotts Southampton, said: “Team training started late July and I think we’re ready for the challenge.

“We’ve completed a series of rides across Ringwood, Romsey, Bishop’s Waltham and areas with lots of hills to help strengthen our legs.”

Together they’re hoping to raise £10,000 – half of which will go to Rainbow Trust, who provide emotional and practical support for families who have a child with a serious, life threatening or terminal illness.

The other half will be donated to Cancer Research UK and The British Heart Foundation, as nominated by event organisers Challenge Adventure Charities.

Elliotts chairman Stuart Mason Elliott founded Challenge Adventure Charities back in 1996 and the organisation has since raised more than £4.5 million for a number of good causes.

CEO Tom Elliott added: “There are 125 riders across 31 teams taking part in the Vosges challenge this year, and we have 12 riders for Team Elliotts.

“It’ll be a demanding route, and we have an ambitious fundraising target, but we have a fantastic team who are determined to smash both.”

• To find out more about the team and to donate, visit Team Elliotts’ JustGiving page.