Nine staff from a Harrogate residential sales and letting agency pedalled off on a 70-mile fund-raising bike ride to celebrate the county’s hosting of the start of this year’s Tour de France.
The team from Linley & Simpson, with a branch in Princes Square, completed their route from York to Ripon to Harrogate to Ilkley to Leeds in just one day, raising money for Martin House Children’s Hospice at Boston Spa – the company’s inaugural charity of the year.
In doing so, the saddle-sore but successful riders propelled the amount of money collected for the charity through the £25,000 mark – smashing its original target of £20,000.
Their journey was planned to take in most of the independent agency’s ten Yorkshire offices, which also include Ripon and Wetherby.
Among those who completed the gruelling trip were founding director Will Linley and colleagues Martin Elliott, Danny Tasker, Derryn Ward, Kim Smith, Dan Bond, Paul Bridgeman, Greg Smallwood and Ross Harding.
Gary Verity, Chief Executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, said: It is great to see them celebrating Yorkshire’s Grand Départ in such an innovative way and culminating their charity efforts by saddling up and cycling.
This money will, I am sure, help this fantastic charity to continue their vital work, which makes a real difference to so many people.
The company has already shown its own entente cordiale by launching a limited edition of ‘For Sale’ and ‘To Let’ boards across the county, featuring an eye-catching cut-out of the iconic yellow jersey.
Director Will Linley said: With our strong Yorkshire roots, this is a great opportunity to mark the biggest sporting occasion many of us will experience right on our doorstep, as well as raising money for children with life-limiting illnesses and their families from across the county.
Brenda Peel, Corporate Fundraiser of Martin House Children’s Hospice was on hand at the company’s Leeds city centre office on Swinegate as the cyclists completed the final leg of their ride – and picked up a cheque for £25,000.
Brenda said: Thank you so much to everyone at Linley & Simpson who have supported us for a year and raised a fantastic amount of money. Their enthusiasm has been amazing. Heartfelt thanks again from the children and families at Martin House.
To donate more please visit the Just Giving page www.justgiving.com/Linley-and-Simpson
Main photograph: Saddle-sore but successful – part of the Linley & Simpson cycling team (from left) Glenn Gaunt, Greg Smallwood, Martin Elliott, Brenda Peel, Paul Bridgeman, Will Linley, Kim Smith, Ross Harding, Dan Bond.
