KELLY’S Cycle Challenge saw 300 enthusiastic riders turn out and raise a significant amount of money, more than £26,000 so far, all of which will go to Challengers, a local charity supporting disabled children and young people.

The spring sunshine shone on a truly happy crowd of participants and their families. The event, a ride through the quiet country roads in rural Surrey and Hampshire, had its HQ adjacent to Alice Holt, with onsite bike mechanic provided by Alice Holt’s Cycle Centre.

Cyclist Lesley Snell, said: “I really enjoyed the day. The routes are so beautiful and the organisation second to none. This is my third now and I look forward to supporting you for years to come.”

As well as cyclists enjoying the route there was plenty to do back at HQ. If riders still had the energy they could make their own smoothies by pedalling a bike provided by Cycling UK which came to promote its services.

Farnham gym Breathe Studios had a spinning bike for people to try, and massages were provided by MJB Sports Therapy from Watford for those who had had enough exercise.

Food and drink was drink provided by Robyn’s Nest, the Cookie Bar and Challengers’ own Sarah Benton, who offered her homemade cakes. Kelly’s Kangaroo provided endless amusement for the children.

The cycle challenge was organised and paid for entirely by Kelly’s Storage Charity Events.

The company takes a unique approach to supporting local charities as Moira Martin, director of Kelly’s Storage, explained: “We arrange these sporting events specifically to provide huge fundraising opportunities for local charities with whom we aim to build long-lasting relationships.

“We pay all costs so that 100 per cent of the money raised from our events goes directly to charity. To date, charities have received more than £250,000 and we are delighted that Challengers will receive all the money raised at this event.”

Jack Brown, events officer at Challengers, said: “We are delighted to once again have been involved in this fantastic day with Kelly’s Storage Charity Events. Their support over the past seven years has been invaluable for Challengers, with this year’s cycling event raising an incredible amount of money, 100 per cent of which Challengers receives.

“That money will go directly towards providing exciting play and leisure activities to disabled children and young people, such as messy art, dance workshops as well as trips out to the beach or cinema. We cannot thank them enough.”

If anyone would like to help the team raise even more go to www.charity.kellystorage.co.uk.

(Photo: David M Moore)