£180,000 already raised for the charity, with hopes to reach £200,000.
Some 65 members of the licensing community showed their true mettle at the crack of dawn this morning – as they headed off full of vigour on the outskirts of Bristol at the start of the 325-mile Light Fund Cycle Challenge.
With riders hailing from the licensor, licensee and supply sides of the industry, the true feeling of camaraderie and determination was palpable. Zipping up their impressive looking ‘team’ cycling jackets, shoes clicked into the cleats, right gears engaged and they sped off, feeling justifiably proud that they are all part of The Light Fund’s largest ever fundraiser to date.
As Light Fund committee member, Ian Hyder (of LicensingSource) revealed to the industry riders at the Welcome and Briefing Meal yesterday evening (June 10): “Thanks to the generosity of everyone, as of tonight we have raised £180,000 for The Light Fund, which is remarkable – and makes up for those brutal training sessions in the freezing cold over the winter. It would be truly fantastic if we could top £200,000 which would mean we could do so much for those less fortunate than ourselves.”
Emotions were running high on the eve of the ride; a healthy mix of nervousness, anticipation and excitement.
“Right now I feel very enthusiastic and determined… I hope it lasts!” said Richard Pink of Pinkey Licensing.
Sambro’s Nikki Samuels said that what he was “pretty excited, especially about doing the challenge with so many others from the industry.”
Thinking about the first day’s route, Disney’s Mike Stagg said: “100 miles is a long way – and that’s without the steep Welsh Hills we have to climb.” When asked what he will be thinking about to get up those inclines, he quipped: “A pint of cold beer at the end!”
When asked what he was planning to think of to take his mind off the physical exertion, Nickelodeon’s Ashley Holman, said: “Names… my wife Jen is due to give birth in a week. I have told her to cross her legs until I get back – and she has tasked me to come up with some good names for the baby. What do you think of Vaseline Holman?!”
You can support The Light Fund and our industry cyclists by clicking here to visit the JustGiving page. Alternatively, you can donate by text – simply text 70070 with BDUB32 and your donation amount – for example BDUB32 £10.
