Team Guardian Charity Challenge Success

£3,200, 1000 miles, 10 days & 2 Bicycles add up to charity fundraising success for Guardian Global employees Richard Davies and Andrew Hazell. Richard and Andrew decided to take on the Land’s End to John o Groat’s Cycling Challenge initially as a personal challenge which then quickly developed into a challenging fundraising idea to raise money for the companies 4 chosen charities for 2012/13, chosen by Guardian employees.

Andrew from Kenfig Hill and Richard from Aberkenfig were encouraged by the Guardian charity team as well as supported financially by the company directly. Guardian contributes £100 per month to help out employees that wish to raise money for the supported charities and also £100 per month to the charity fundraising pot.   The challenge saw the cycling duo smash through their initial target of £2500 in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support, Ty Hafan, Latch and Wales Air Ambulance well before they finished their end to end challenge.

Andrew Hazell said: 'Before the trip both myself and Richard where a little apprehensive about completing this marathon ride. There were a couple of very hard days when we felt extremely tired but we met a good bunch of guys and we helped each other through the ride. We had a couple of very good days of cycling when the weather was on our side; we managed to eat up the miles with ease. We are very proud to have raised such a substantial amount of money for Guardian’s chosen charities.'

Richard Davies added: 'After 3 weeks of resting my body has finally returned to normal after our 1000 mile cycle challenge. It was a massive challenge for me, both physically and mentally, it pushed me to my absolute limit! The ride brought out every possible emotion and also gave me an amazing experience and memories I will never forget. I would like to thank Andrew and the boys for pulling me through each day, our employers Guardian for their support and also Robert Penny from the Colliers Arms Quiz Team for being our biggest sponsor with a donation of £250. Thank you all.'

Debbie Jones, Fundraising Manager for Macmillan Cancer Support said: 'On behalf of everyone at Macmillan Cancer support and the people living with cancer and their families that we are trying to help I would like to sincerely thank Andrew, Richard and the Team at Guardian for undertaking another incredible challenge to raise money for charity.  Being chosen as a charity of the year by a local company means that we are able to reach and improve the lives of people fighting cancer living in the local area.' 

All of the money that is raised will be used to continue to provide our vital services in the county which include nurses, a welfare benefits adviser and councillors to name just a few of the posts working with the Macmillan Team in and around local hospitals and the community.  All of Macmillan’s services are provided entirely for free, we rely almost entirely on our supporters for donations.  We need their help to make the difference between a good day and a bad day for someone affected by cancer.”

Fundraising activities are ongoing, the team’s next event is a car based Treasure Hunt and next year we aim to put a team together for the Three Peaks Challenge.  If you would like to read more about Andrew and Richards epic ride visit their blog at http://andrewhazell.wordpress.com/| to donate visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/AndrewandRichardsCyclingchalleng|