Congratulations to the Extra Mile Challenge team who completed a 500-mile charity bike ride through Brittany, France.

Kitted out in lycra, the team of four took part in the relay event on the 21st – 25th September. Each riding about 50 miles a day, they have so far raised £3230 beating their target of £3000.

Scania Truck East, a Cawleys vehicle supplier, were one of the team sponsors who kindly sponsored the teams cycling shirts.

Cawleys employees Phil Gudgeon, Tony Goodman, Dave Buckingham and a friend from Scania Truck East, Andy Ayears, made it successfully through the ride with only a few bumps and scratches between them. Smiling as they crossed the finish line, the team celebrated their wonderful effort.

Organised by the rotary clubs of Bedford Park and Milton Keynes Canal, the Challenge has raised £1.25 million since it was set up thirteen years ago.

Most years Cawleys enter a team into the Extra Mile Challenge, with Dave being a regular participant. This was Phil and Andy’s first challenge, while Tony has completed it five times but not since 2009. The team endured a lot of training - a combination of long cycle rides, fitness classes and gym sessions.

The route around Brittany was steadier than previous years. This made it no less difficult, however, as it tested the team’s longevity and endurance.

The team this year raised money for Cawleys’ charity of the year, Keech Hospice, and CHUMS, a charity close to the company’s heart. During the Extra Mile Challenge ten years ago, Gary Godleman, a Cawleys’ employee, died of a heart attack whilst on the ride. His young family were supported by CHUMS, who specialise in supporting emotional wellbeing in children, especially following a bereavement.

We are all incredibly proud of the team for completing this charitable challenge. If you would like to donate to the team’s JustGiving page there is still time to do so: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/cawleys2