Staff embark upon epic charity cycle (From Barry And District News)

Staff embark upon epic charity cycle

BIG-HEARTED Simon Chick of Barry and his SWALEC colleagues are all set to complete a monster challenge to raise funds for a cancer caring charity.

Teams of four people, plus support volunteers, are gearing up for Maggie's Monster Bike and Hike - a challenging 24-hour cycling and hiking adventure, taking place along the banks of Loch Ness this Saturday, April 30.

The teams are off to Fort William in the Scottish Highlands to cycle 30 miles then walk a further 40 miles along the spectacular Great Glen Way track. The support crew will play a vital part as they will be looking after the needs of the teams involved.

As well as undertaking regular training sessions, the staff have put together a programme of fundraising activities including a staff night out, weekly dress down days and Easter raffles to help them reach their fundraising targets.

Simon said: "We are all looking forward to heading north for the challenge and we are trying hard to raise as much money as possible for the charity.

"We have hired a bus and plan to stay in the local youth hostel in nearby Glen Nevis. I'm sure we will also take the opportunity to visit a few bars - once we've completed the challenge, of course."

The SWALEC staff will join hundreds of other charity champions from parent company Scottish and Southern Energy's bases across the UK who are taking part in the event.

The company is supporting their efforts by contributing 500 to Maggie's Cancer Caring Centres for each SSE team taking part. The company is also the main sponsor of the event.

Georgina Bushell of Maggie's Centre says: "Last year over 800 people took part in the event and raised an incredible 640,000.