Raising money through wine, cheese and other smellies

The Well Heald Team, a team of cyclists comprising Nick Crook and Esther Marchant of Heald Solicitors, Linda Plowright from Sport Leaders UK and Alex Gamberini of Entropie, will don their cycling shorts once again this weekend and brave the elements to take part in the Extra Mile Challenge; a 500 mile plus relay challenge through France.

Having raised in excess of £7,500 for the last two years for various local charities, this year the team has a steely determination to achieve two goals

(i) to avoid getting drenched on the cycle ride and
(ii) beating their fundraising records.

Whilst holding back the rain could prove a little problematic, the team took a more creative route with regards to the second goal and what better way to raise additional funds then appealing to the taste buds of many.

On 7th September the team hosted a wine and cheese tasting night in Newport Pagnell. With a selection of fine cheeses generously supplied by Eric Charriaux of Premier Cheese and wine tasting hosted by Simon Stagnell of the Stony Wine Emporium, guests realised that there is a difference between a Rioja and a Merlot! With the drinks flowing and raffle tickets purchased for prizes such as MK Dons tickets and restaurant vouchers, the event raised £340 towards the team’s target. These funds can be added to the £160 raised by the team back in July when they hosted a Body Shop party.

We wish the team the best of luck this weekend as they cycle through France and remind them that when the going gets tough, to remember the well-deserving charities that will benefit from their sweat and pain:

i. The Hertfordshire Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre
ii. Bucks, Oxon and Berks Air Ambulance
iii. SSAFA Forces Help
iv. British Sports Trust

If you would like to sponsor the Well Heald Team’s efforts please visit their Just Giving

Filed: 23/09/2011 16:01:33