Firefighters get back on their bikes, this time to Gibraltar. Read more from the council. Ed
The 2011 Square to Square Charity Cycle Challenge (SQ2SQ 2011) has been officially launched by the Lord-Lieutenant of the Isle of Wight.
The 2011 charity challenge will see a team of Isle of Wight firefighters cycle 1,600 miles each in 14 consecutive days from St Thomas’ Square, Newport, Isle of Wight to Casemates Square, Gibraltar.
Previous challenges raised £86,500
This SQ2SQ challenge follows on from those completed in 2005 and 2008 which raised around £86,500 for local charities. In 2005 the team cycled 1,014 miles in 14 days from the Isle of Wight to Prague, Czech Republic, whilst in 2008 the team cycled 1,488 miles in 15 days from the Isle of Wight to the Vatican, Italy.
This time, the cyclists are raising funds for the Barely Born Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, St Mary’s Hospital, Isle of Wight and the Isle of Wight Young Carers Project (YMCA Fairthorne Group).
Island support for challenge
Traditionally the Island community has showed great support for the challenge, getting involved in the fundraising and appeals. The SQ2SQ 2011 Team hopes Island residents, visitors and business will once again get involved and offer their support.
John Peck Construction Ltd is supporting the challenge and has become the first Gold Partner corporate sponsor. The SQ2SQ 2011 Team is extremely grateful for their generous support and hopes more corporate sponsors will step up and support the charity challenge.
Andrew Cooper, organiser and cyclist for SQ2SQ 2011, said “This is the third of the triennial Square to Square Charity Cycle Challenges. It is an endurance challenge for the cyclists, who will be well supported by the support crew. The previous challenges have been extraordinarily successful and have captured the imagination of Island residents who have helped to fund raise for the appeals.
“Thanks must go to all Island residents, visitors and businesses who have kindly supported the previous Square to Square Charity Cycle Challenges. We hope you feel you can support this challenge and associated appeal once again for our two worthy local charities.”
Cllr Ian Stephens, Chairman of the Isle of Wight Council, said: “On behalf of the Isle of Wight Council I wish the Square to Square team all the best for their gruelling challenge ahead. Over the years they have raised thousands of pounds for local charities and I am sure this next challenge will be no exception.”
Anyone interested in sponsoring the team should contact the challenge organisers on 07889 182762 or [email protected].
The team is due to depart the Isle of Wight on 1 October 2011. Progress can be followed on their website
