Marshalls LEJOG – mission accomplished!
After riding 970 miles and climbing 53,529ft across just nine days, pedalling through baking sunshine and thunderstorm downpours, the team of cyclists from Marshalls, Simon Bugeja, Stephen Cole, Mark Sutherland, Brian Tait and Andrew Tyerman all crossed the finish line at John O’Groats last Sunday evening.
The Marshalls LEJOG challenge was in aid of its charity partner, Macmillan Cancer Support.
It was a tough challenge for the team, in particular towards the end where the Scottish weather and steep climbs combined to make for challenging conditions. But the determined riders battled onwards through to successfully complete their fundraising mission.
Here’s what they each had to say about the experience…
Stephen Cole, National Logistics Manager: “LEJOG for me was pushing my limits physically and mentally amongst like-minded people. Plenty of times I questioned myself, Scotland was really tough weather-wise after great sunshine in England. All causes and charities were well supported by all entrants, and that is the main purpose behind it all.”
Andrew Tyerman, Engineering Manager: “It was a great week’s cycling for an even greater cause – we met so many inspiring people who were also raising money for Macmillan, as well as many other great charities.”
Simon Bugeja, Manufacturing Director: “The cycling, as expected, was a real pleasure but the [minimal] rest and recuperation really took its toll on me… and made it super hard.”
Mark Sutherland, Operations Director: “It was an intense week, but well worth it for a great cause. Thanks for all the support and sponsorship.”
Brian Tait, Business Unit Manager – Landscape Protection: “It was both physically and mentally exhausting, but it was a great challenge for a great cause that kept me going to the end – along with the great support of a fantastic team who I would like to say thanks to.
“It was inspiring to see all ages and abilities taking on this challenge, with bicycles, tandems and other bikes taking part. Now that this journey is complete, could I ask those considering a donation to visit the JustGiving page.”
Macmillan has been Marshalls’ charity partner since 2019, and so far the company has raised over £247,200 to help fund support for people living with cancer and their families.
Paula Jackson, Partnership Officer at Macmillan Cancer Support said: “Thank you so much to the wonderful team members at Marshalls who are embarking on a truly epic cycling challenge on behalf of Macmillan.
“Macmillan is funded almost entirely by donations. We are hugely grateful for the continued generosity of partners like Marshalls, as it allows us to be right there for the growing numbers of people living with cancer across the UK when they need us most.”
