Clinton Devon Estates cyclists pedal for FORCE
A 14-strong team from Clinton Devon Estates will clock-up a combined total of 1,220 miles to raise money for FORCE when they get on their bikes for The Nello 2016 next weekend (June 26 2016).
Over the past few months, the group of staff, business associates and family have been in training for one of Devon’s biggest sporting challenges, on the road, in the gym and under the guidance of personal trainer Neil Eriksen. They aim to raise £1500 for FORCE.
Ten of the cyclists will tackle the one hundred-mile circular route; from Topsham Rugby Club to Exmoor via Exeter city centre and four will cycle the shorter 55-mile circuit.
John Varley, Estates Director at Clinton Devon Estates and one of the team taking part, said: “Cancer affects so many people within the community and riding the Nello bike challenge is a great way of supporting this excellent local charity.
“We already have a number of keen cyclists among the Clinton Devon Estates staff, so this is the perfect opportunity for them to get together as a team to raise as much money as we can.”
Coach Eriksen from Smile Fitness, said: “Originally I thought 100 miles on a bike would be much easier than running a marathon or a similar endurance event, but now after months of training on a bike I can say it certainly isn’t! There are so many muscles that tire out over the hours which is why it’s so crucial that everyone training rides progressively up to the full distance.”
Iestyn John, a Clinton Devon Estates associate, said: “I’ve focused my training on riding a range of distances as well as the commute to work which also supports Clinton Devon’s sustainability ethos. I’ve done lots of mountain biking and running, but never an event like this so I’m a little nervous about what the end of the 55 miles will feel like. Sore, I expect!”
Head of Fundraising at FORCE Cancer Charity, Sarah Daniels, said: “We are here to help, whatever the cancer and wherever people are on their cancer journey. Our Support Centre offers a relaxed and comfortable setting where patients, their families and friends can get information advice and help.
“None of what we do would be possible without the generous support of local people, who support us in so many ways with donations, by taking part in fundraising events like the Nello, organising their own fundraises of giving their time as a volunteer.”
In 2013 Clinton Devon Estates entered a team for the Commando Challenge in Lympstone raising nearly £3,000 for local charities.
The Nello team includes Lord Clinton’s grandson Edward Fane-Trefusis, Estates Director John Varley, Executive Personal Assistant to the Estates Director Fiona Harker and her husband Richie, Head of Forestry and Environmental Economy John Wilding and his wife Nina, Estates Surveyor Adrian Pitts, Planning Advisor to the Estate from Bell Cornwell Iestyn John, Personal Trainer Neil Eriksen, Estates Gamekeeper Kevin Brosnan, Management Accountant Mike Phillips, Trainee Land Agent Jack Harley, Farm Worker Darren Pearce, Maintenance Contractor Colin Newell and Assistant Accountant Gaynor Hayne.
To show your support for FORCE Cancer Charity and the team at Clinton Devon Estates, please visit the Clinton Devon Estates Virgin Money Giving page.
The Nello 100-mile pedal will set off from Topsham Rugby Club at 8am next Sunday, shortly followed by the 55-mile ride at 8.30am.
For more information on Clinton Devon Estates visit www.clintondevon.co.uk.
For details of this year’s Nello, visit https://forcecancercharity.co.uk/events/the-nello/
