Traditional window hardware, paint and machinery specialist Mighton Products’ founder and chairman Mike Derham is about to set off behind the steering wheel of a support vehicle once again, to provide backup for a group of cyclists who this time are riding back all the way from Russia to Shropshire.
Mike has been a long time supporter of the Hope House charity www.hopehouse.org.uk which provides care and support to life-limited children, young people and their families from Shropshire, Cheshire, North and Mid Wales, which Mike became involved with through a friend who raises money for the organisation.
For Mike this will be the fourth such event he has supported, both physically and as a sponsor and includes ensuring the safe passage for a group of 18 cyclists who will be riding a total of 2730 miles, through 10 European countries in just 12 days.
Divided into teams of three the cyclists will ride in relay from the Russian border, through Finland into the Arctic Circle, then Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Holland, Belgium, France, then via the tunnel into England, dipping into Wales and on to the final destination of Hope House in Oswestry, Shropshire.
“These events have helped to raise more than £1m for Hope House and I am delighted to be involved with this latest effort, which will actually be the last for on such a grand scale, due to the sheer complexity and effort involved,” said Mike. “It is therefore important that we raise even more money! The previous rides, which have included three across the USA and others through Europe, have been gruelling for riders and support alike, but the cause makes it so worthwhile.
“As a father and grandfather I have enormous respect for the work done by Hope House and am delighted to make this trip to help ensure the safety and wellbeing of the cyclists.”
All involved with the ride pay their own costs, which ensures that 100% of any money raised goes direct to Hope House.
Donations can be made through: http://www.justgiving.com/teams/frwhope
