Philip Barden who heads up the firm’s litigation team; Nick Billingham head of the housing management practice; and senior chartered legal executive Robert Edge, cycled 410 miles from Malin Head, the most northern part of Ireland down to Mizen Head in the south of the country to raise money for Devonshires chosen charities: Action for Kids; Friends of the Elderly; and Theatre Royal Stratford East.
The fundraising target was £10,000 which with everyone’s support, match-funding from the Devonshires Foundation and gift aid, has now reached over £16,000.
The challenge was to complete the route in less than 19hrs 53mins which is the current record. Faced with a road closure on the very first day at Malin Head, torrential downpours, and a head wind of 15-20 mph for much of the ride, our cyclists completed the challenge in 21 hrs 30mins. Although just outside the record, they won the Wild Atlantic Cycling’s record for crossing Ireland – a good amateur cyclist record to have!
Wild Atlantic Cycling specialise in cycling tours from Mizen to Malin (rather than the route our team took, Malin to Mizen) and they now know why.
A big thank you to Noel Boyce from Wild Atlantic Cycling – who was the team’s driver, guide, mechanic and mentor for the ride.
And thank you to all our sponsors – we know that our chosen charities will be over the moon at the level of support you have given us.
Nick Billingham said: “We are very thankful for all the support that has been shown by our colleagues, friends and clients. Although great fun, we will leave it for at least another two years before we cook up another cycling event to beat even this adventure”.
View pictures of the challenge here.
To support the team and help raise money for three worthwhile causes, visit the Virgin Money Giving Page – http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/devonshirescycling
