‘VERTAS COASTERS’ STEER £2.2K TOWARDS CANCER CHARITY

An intrepid team of fundraising cyclists, led by Vertas Group Limited Chief Executive Ian Surtees, has overcome unseasonal sleet, 30mph wind and thick fog to cycle Coast to Coast for Cancer Research UK.

Dipping their bike wheels in the Irish Sea on 10 April at the Cumbrian town of Workington, the team members finished 150 miles later at Tynemouth, cheered on by goodwill tweets from colleagues and clients, including a Mexican wave from one of the company’s regional offices.

Ian’s team of ‘Vertas Coasters’ comprised Group Chairman Duncan Johnson, Non-executive Director Gerry Kassab and Regional Catering Manager Jon Lakin. The four cyclists were ably supported during the three-day ride by Executive PA Katie Seager, who drove a support vehicle packed with food, drinks, first aid and emergency repair kits.

The team had initially aimed to raise £1,000 for the charity and were delighted when the final total more than doubled this, reaching £2,260.75 (with gift aid). Thanks to food wholesaler Bidfood, which covered the team’s accommodation and expenses, all monies raised will go directly to help beat cancer sooner.

This £2.2k comes shortly after Cancer Research UK presented the company with a certificate of appreciation for £10,687 raised by Vertas in the last financial year.

Ian Surtees, Chief Executive Officer at Vertas Group Limited, said:

“A huge thank you to Bidfood for sponsoring us and everyone who donated and cheered us on from start to finish. We’re already talking about doing it again, perhaps later in the year when hopefully the weather will be kinder!”

Next article