Champion Group backs Hampshire Air Ambulance as riders gear up to tackle 154-mile charity cycle

Basingstoke’s Champion Group are looking to go above and beyond for their charity of the year as they field sponsors for an upcoming fundraiser, Hampshire Loopy.

On Friday 18 August, riders will take on a mammoth 154-mile trek in the space of just a day, with proceeds supporting the vital work of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance (HIOWAA).

The firm approached dozens of businesses, encouraging them to get behind the cyclists on their journey and put shirts on backs ahead of the big event.

Kevin Croombs, Group Accountant at The Champion Group, was blown away by the response.

He said: “We’re delighted that more than 20 local companies have come forward to support the riders – each pledging at least £200 of sponsorship support – and we’ve now sold all the sponsor places on the shirt.

“So far the riders, who all have fundraising pages, have attracted over £5,300 of support, which is outstanding.

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

The riders will set off from The Champion Group’s Basingstoke offices, stopping off at the HIOWAA base in Thruxton before crossing the finishing line.

Kevin has promised back-up support for all those involved alongside Mark Jones, Partnerships Manager at Destination Basingstoke.

He added: “Our riders are experienced cyclists, but they’ll really be pushing their bodies to the limit for this challenge.

“We hope they’ll be well supported, as HIOWAA relies entirely on donations and doesn’t receive any government funding.”

Among those supporters are Fyffes in Basingstoke, who will be supplying bananas along the way to keep participants fed and fuelled.

• To find out more or sponsor one of the riders, visit thechampiongroup.co.uk/hampshire-loopy