The UK motor industry got behind the BCA Paris Challenge cycling fundraiser, with forty-five riders bringing in a staggering £93,436 for for Action for A-T, a charity that funds research into a rare childhood disease.
The cyclists departed BCA Blackbushe on a 400km ride to Paris with the goal of raising £30,000 for the Haslemere-based charity. By the time they had reached the Eiffel Tower, three days later, they had more than tripled that target.
Sponsors included some of the biggest dealer groups in the country including Arnold Clark, Cambria, Vertu, Marshall Group, Motorline, Halliwell Jones, Jardine, Ancaster, JCT600, Lookers and TC Harrison. Insurers Aston Scott and Secure Valeting also backed the event, while Thrifty provided support vehicles for the duration of BCA Paris Challenge. Toyota and Renault also got behind the event , as well as leasing companies ALD, LexAutolease and Olgivie.
Craig Purvey, chief commercial officer at BCA, took part, and said of the experience, “We were all committed to completing the BCA Paris Challenge and had trained in advance to ensure we were prepared for this significant test of cycling endurance. It is testament to the team’s hard work and dedication that we arrived in good shape having ridden through everything from sunshine to thunder storms as we crossed the French countryside from Dieppe towards Paris.”
He added “Well done and thank you to everyone who undertook the BCA Paris Challenge, the riders and the support team, our suppliers and customers who sponsored our efforts and everyone for all their support and kind messages along the way.”
Sean Kelly, Chief Executive, Action for A-T commented “On behalf of Action for A-T and the families who look to us for hope, I would like to thank everyone who helped to make the Blackbushe to Paris ride such a resounding success. The three-day endurance cycle was a great team effort supported by BCA staff, customers and a variety of sponsors who collectively raised a record breaking amount for our charity. As a result, we will be able to fund an entire research study taking us one step closer to finding a cure or therapy for the devastating childhood condition known as A-T.”
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