Community News

KC employees get on their bikes for The Stroke Association

Nine KC employees have cycled 85 miles in just one day, to raise money for The Stroke Association.

Members of KC staff prepare to cycle 85 miles for The Stroke Association

The challenge was the idea of Graham Pyrah, KC’s Purchasing Manager, who wanted to do something for the company’s Charity of the Year, The Stroke Association, after his father-in-law suffered a stroke earlier this year. 

Graham said: “Until people are personally touched by a stroke, I don’t think the full effects it has on an individual and their family are realised. Thankfully, my father-in-law is making a slow but steady recovery so I wanted to help raise money for The Stroke Association and the vital research, treatment, support and education work that they do.” 

The idea for the challenge came from one of the first televised national charity Telethons that KC was involved in, which took place in 1988. Employees supported the telethon in a number of ways, including a relay race between exchanges, which Graham also organised. With staff a little older and wiser and with an exchange 22 miles away in Driffield to include, he decided two wheels are better than two feet. 

Members of the charity team’s cycling abilities cover the full spectrum, from cycling commuters to a former member of the Great Britain Triathlon team, however, the majority of the team are novices. The team taking part on the day will be 10-strong in total, following Graham’s recruitment of Arco employee Damian Wright to the cause. 

The team set off from KC’s Civic exchange in Carr Lane at 7am this morning, Tuesday 17 August, and took in Beverley, Bilton, Bransholme, Brough, Cottingham, Driffield, East, Ferriby, Hedon, Hessle, Kirkella, Newland, Northand West exchanges. The team arrived back at the Carr Lane exchange at 5:15pm, and despite looking a little tired and sweaty, they were over the moon to complete the challenge in just 8 hours.

Jess Phillips, Stroke Association Account Manager said: “The KC cycle challenge is fantastic, especially as the idea has come from someone who has experienced the effects a stroke can have on a family member. They know better than anyone how important our work at The Stroke Association is, and without the support of individuals and businesses, we wouldn’t be able to help and support the thousands of people we do each year. 

“KC has been a fantastic corporate partner and have already raised over £25,000 in just five months. I am sure that family, friends and colleagues will dig deep for this cycle challenge, and the sore bums and tight calves will all be worth it.” 

To sponsor the team visit their Just Giving page http://www.justgiving.com/kc-exchange-challenge

For more information on The Stroke Association, including how they support people who have had a stroke and their families please visit www.stroke.org.uk or call their helpline on: 0303 3033 100.