For the second year running, staff from Barchester Healthcare’s care homes and hospitals have put themselves through a gruelling cycling challenge, this time from Exeter to Battle and then on to Purley, all in the name of charity. Their aim was to raise money for Barchester’s Charitable Foundation which supports older people and other adults living with a disability or mental health problems by helping them to connect or re-connect with others in their local communities.
Over four days, from June 6th- 9th, a team of Barchester staff cycled a mammoth 276 miles from Exeter to Purley, stopping at 16 care homes across Barchester’s South division to meet well-wishers, have a well-earned break and refuel before continuing on their way.
The core Tour de Barchester team of cyclists Simon McCall, Commercial Director and Shona Conway, Project Coordinator plus support crew Lucy Green, Personal Assistant, Stephen McHugh, Project Business Analyst and Mervyn Knight, Hospitality Manager, were joined and supported by suppliers, staff members and residents from different homes and teams as the Tour passed through. To donate, please click here.
Shona Conway, Tour de Barchester Project Coordinator said: “Last year was the first year of the Tour and we raised over £18,000 which was brilliant but we were determined to beat that target. I am delighted to say that so far this year we have raised a staggering £26,120 which is just wonderful and money is still coming in. I am so proud and so grateful to all the homes that welcomed us en route and helped us fundraise. I also have say massive thanks to our superb support crew who are absolute superstars. We’re already talking about Tour de Barchester 2024!”
Chairperson of Barchester’s Charitable Foundation, Commercial Director and core Tour de Barchester team cyclist, Simon McCall, commented: “I am so proud to be involved in this fantastic initiative, it really has become one of the highlights of my year. I love being able to visit so many of our homes and meet the brilliant people who live and work in them, everyone is so welcoming and we are so very grateful for all the hard work they put in to supporting us. It is a huge team effort by everyone involved and the funds raised will help to support and connect so many vulnerable and isolated people in our local communities. I really enjoy being out on the road, meeting everyone and taking in all the sights all the time knowing what important work the funds we raise will support.”
