Transaid riders go coast to castle to raise almost £60,000

At the weekend, almost 40 cyclists from across the transport and logistics industry completed our annual UK cycle challenge – a 255-kilometre ride from Newcastle to Edinburgh, all while raising vital funds for Transaid’s road safety and access to healthcare programmes in sub-Saharan Africa.

The challenge incredibly raised almost £60,000 from sponsorships and individual donations, with teams from Backhouse Jones, Dawsongroup, Edrington, EORI UK, GXO, the Road Haulage Association (RHA), AAL Shipping/Schoeller, IVECO, and The Malcolm Group all taking part, as well as individuals associated with the industry. Transaid representatives Maddy Matheson – Head of Fundraising, and Anna Giavedoni – Events Officer, also joined the riders on their journey.

We are grateful to Dawsongroup truck and trailer for sponsoring the challenge, and to Stanley Travel for kindly providing coach transfers. The ride was made possible thanks to our tour partner – Mellow Jersey, who delivered an excellent level of planning, organisation and support prior to and throughout the ride.

The challenge began on 20th September with a scenic coastal ride from the Tyne Estuary to the border town of Berwick-upon-Tweed, where the riders rested for the night. The group hit the road again and cycled more than 112 kilometres through the Tweed Valley and over Priestlaw Hill to cross the finish line at the iconic Edinburgh Castle. A delicious celebratory dinner followed, with donations still pouring in.

Commenting on the challenge, Maddy says: “We are immensely grateful for the continued support of the transport and logistics industry, with teams signing up for our UK and European cycle challenges year after year.

“They are an invaluable source of funding for our access to healthcare and road safety programmes, and we are incredibly thankful to everyone who jumped in the saddle, or who sponsored and donated to the riders.”

With our 2024 UK cycle challenge now over, we look forward to our Cycle Kenya 2024 challenge taking place in two weeks. Transaid’s next UK/European cycle challenge will be announced at the end of this year – stay tuned!