The annual Charity Cycle Ride is now a regular fixture on the waste management calendar and on Thursday 28 September a team of 23 cyclists set off from Ghent (where the 2016 Kent to Ghent ride ended) and finished three days, and 300km, later in Amsterdam, on Saturday 30 September.

The cyclists were supported on their journey by a crew of nine people, with two mini-buses, three vans and two fast response vehicles! Vehicle Weighing Solutions Ltd (VWS) took a lead role in organising the event and the aim is to meet or even beat last year’s phenomenal fundraising total of £50,000.

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Over £25000 has already been raised this year with donations still flooding in. Once again multiple charities will benefit from the event including the British Liver Trust, the Donor Family Network, Kidney Research UK, ADDUP, Leukaemia Care, Little Princess Trust and the Alzheimer’s Society.

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The cyclists and support crew comprised teams from VWS, CMS SupaTrak, Vision Techniques, City of London, Dennis Eagle, Biffa, Epic Media, Charlton Bodies, Leeds Commercial, M6 Vehicle Hire, Miles Smith, Muni Hire, JB Riney and Scarab Sweepers.

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VWS managing director Julian Glasspole, along with production director Martin Lister and Technical sales manager Richard Marsh were cycling to raise money for the British Liver Trust, in honour of Brett Baker who sadly lost his life due to Liver disease in May 2016. Brett was the son of Keith Baker, a well know figure in the waste industry.

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Julian said:
“I am honoured to take part in the cycle ride in memory of Brett and to support Keith and his family. Not only is it great fun, we also manage to raise lots of cash for a wide range of charities. The ride was difficult at certain points this year, with driving wind and rain hampering our progress. However, we made it and we are determined to meet or beat last year’s total! We are relying on our generous friends and colleagues in and out of the industry to support us in our mission!”

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The event wouldn’t have been possible without the support and sponsorship from a range of companies. These include: Miles Smith who generously contributed to cover all the travel costs for the teams; Dennis Eagle for providing a support vehicle and sponsoring cycle wear for one day, Biffa and RVS each sponsoring the cycle wear for a day; Leeds Commercial for providing a van; and Faun Zoeller for assisting the support team and supplying a driver.

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Donations are still very welcome and can be made by visiting https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/teamvws

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