A team of 30 cyclists from Menzies Distribution has completed a 1500 km charity bike ride along the East Coast of the UK raising more than £20,000 for the newspaper industry’s charity, NewstrAid. The team, led by managing director David McIntosh, took turns to tackle different stages of the journey from John O’Groats in Scotland to Mile End in Portsmouth over 10 days, visiting several Menzies Distribution branches along the way.
The challenge, devised by McIntosh, has benefitted NewstrAid, a benevolent fund set up in 1839 to provide help for people in need from the retailing, wholesaling, distribution and circulation of newspapers and magazines.
As NewstrAid was founded by Charles Dickens – a customer of John Menzies in 1839 – McIntosh and the team decided to end the challenge at his birthplace in Portsmouth.
The last leg of the journey – aptly named ‘Please Sir, I’ve Had Enough’ – started in Weybridge and the remaining six cyclists had to endure London traffic, wind and rain to make it to their final destination.
McIntosh said: “As a company we had never done anything on this scale before, but our motto is ‘going the extra mile’ – so this seemed very fitting.
“It was hard work cycling, often in heavy rain, but we’re really pleased with the amount we have raised from individuals and sponsors for a cause close to all our hearts.”
To support Menzies Distribution and NewstrAid, visit http://tinyurl.com/cb49nmk
