Thanks to Matt for sending through an update on the Square to Square Charity Cycle Challenge. Ed
After eighteen months of planning, promotion, fundraising and training, the SQ2SQ 2011 Team are ready for the endurance challenge ahead of them.
SQ2SQ 2011 is the third triennial challenge since 2005, which has raised over £85,000 to date, with the previously challenges in 2005 and 2008 to Prague, Czech Republic and The Vatican, Vatican City, Italy respectively.
From the Isle of Wight to Gibraltar
For 2011 the Team will cycle 1,400 miles/2m250 km (for each cyclist) in 14 consecutive days from the Isle of Wight to Gibraltar, with the Team departing on the eve of Saturday 1st October.
The Team of seven cyclists (three island firefighters, a local teacher, bike mechanic from TAV Cycles and two local students), along with a support crew of five will be in St Thomas Square from 6pm on Saturday 1st October, departing at 7pm for their onward journey across the solent and English Channel, with the first day of the challenge starting at 8.30am on Sunday 2nd October upon their arrival in France.
Across the Pyrenees Mountains
The endurance challenge will take then down through France, across the Pyrenees Mountains and down through the heat of Spain before arriving in Gibraltar on Saturday 15 October in Casemates Square.
The accompanying SQ2SQ 2011 Appeal is raising funds for two Isle of Wight charities: Barely Born Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Isle of Wight Young Carers Project, with a target of £20,000.
£10,000 already raised
The Team, through the generosity of the public, have so far raised £10,000.
SQ2SQ 2011 Gold Partner sponsors are John Peck Construction Ltd, TAV Cycles, Ryde and Barclays Bank (Newport Branch), along with other local, national and international companies and organisations.
Matt Arnell, a firefighter from Newport Fire Station (Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service) and one of the organisers for the challenge, said “We are all prepared for a daunting challenge, which we are determined to complete. The team have worked really hard both in training and preparing for the challenge. We are grateful to everyone that has contributed to our fundraising efforts and hope that we have also raised awareness of these two important local charities.”
In memory of Paul Fletcher and Dr Ted Mucklow
By kind permission, the challenge is being dedicated to and in memory of Firefighter Paul Fletcher and Dr Ted Mucklow (founder and Consultant of the pre-Barely Born Unit in 1968).
All are welcome to join the Team in St Thomas’ Square, Newport from 6pm on Saturday 1st October for the Team’s departure.
The Isle of Wight Lord Lieutenant Major General Martin White has kindly agreed to be at the departure and make a short speech.
