Birmingham office workers saddle up for fundraising 170km cycle tour

Oct 29 2009 by Mike Hughes, Birmingham Post

A team of office workers has gone green for charity, swapping their suits for cycling shorts to raise essential funds for a community garden project in central Birmingham.

Seven cycling enthusiasts from the region’s leading housing and regeneration organisation, Midland Heart, completed a two-day sponsored cycle, raising over £2,000 for Metamorphosis at Martineau Gardens in Edgbaston.

Working together in the innovation and research department by day, the team followed a rigorous training programme at evenings and weekends to prepare for the 170 kilometre two-day tour of the Devon coast-to-coast trail. Other departments at Midland Heart’s head offices in Bath Row helped by raising funds for the trip, holding a green-themed dress down day and cake sale, and asking family and friends for sponsorship.

Martineau Gardens provides a therapeutic environment where vulnerable people facing social, mental and physical barriers can develop their interpersonal skills through gardening and conservation.

Neil Tryner, head of business development at Midland Heart and one of the cyclists taking part, said: “Completing this challenge has really put the team through its paces, pushing us to break through the pain barrier and proving a real achievement, both individually and as a group.

“Martineau Gardens is a vital resource for the local community and is a project we are proud to be able to support.”

Caroline Hutton, director at Martineau Gardens, said: “We would like to commend the Midland Heart team for their determination in completing the tour, and say a huge ‘thank you’ for their generosity.”