Charity bike ride challenge raises £10,000 for British Heart Foundation

A group of cycling enthusiasts and British Heart Foundation supporters are celebrating after raising £10,000 during a 68-mile cycle ride from MDL’s Penton Hook Marina, near Chertsey-on-Thames, to Ocean Village Marina in Southampton.

The bike ride took place on Saturday 6th June and was organised by MDL berth holder, Gary Pearson, with the support of fellow cycling enthusiast, Paul Markwick, and the MDL team. Ahead of the ride, staff at Penton Hook Marina ensured the cyclists were ready for action, serving up bacon sandwiches and providing them with energy bars and drinks.

68 miles and around seven hours later, the cyclists crossed the finish line and were met by MDL staff, berth holders and supporters with cheers and applause. The MDL team at Ocean Village Marina set up banners supplied by Artisan Signs and balloons to welcome the cyclists, holding a barbeque in celebration and giving participants the chance to socialise, refuel and relax after a long day’s cycling.

A team from MDL Marinas took part in the challenge. The cyclists were Dean Smith, Mike Glanville, Shaw Smith, Jonathan Walcroft, Clive Marriott and Ben Boardman, who put in many training miles ahead of the ride. Members of the Yachting and Boating World forum and a number of MDL’s berth holders also took part in the event, with friends and family heading down to the marina to cheer them across the finish line.

Dean Smith, marketing and operations director at MDL Marinas commented, “We were delighted to host the ride at two of our marinas as this is a cause that we know is very close to Gary’s heart. The ride itself was hard going in places but crossing the finish line was an amazing feeling that made it all worthwhile.  The staff did a great job putting on refreshments at both Penton Hook and Ocean Village Marina, making it a really sociable and fun event.”

Gary Pearson, MDL berth holder and organiser of the event added, “I’d like to say a huge thank you to my fellow cyclists and our supporters, as well as the staff at MDL for their hard work and the Royal Southampton Yacht Club for hosting the evening celebrations, all of which helped in making the day such a big success. After experiencing the fantastic care and support offered by the British Heart Foundation first-hand, it’s brilliant to be giving something back. The final amount raised is double our fundraising target of £5,000 and we’d like to thank all those who donated so generously.”

For more information, visit MDL Marinas.