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Blakedale News

Welfare Vehicle on tour

Aug 16, 2016

Blakedale is delighted to be supporting “Challenge Africa”, a 1,863-mile sponsored cycle journey from London to Fez, Morocco in aid of Great Ormond Street and Evelina London Children’s Hospitals.

At the weekend, four cyclists – James Leahy, Joey Healy, Jamie Pownceby and Bradley Smith from Borehamwood, Hertfordshire (three of whom are pictured opposite) – embarked on the adventure of their lives. Going along for the ride is one of Blakedale’s trusty Welfare Vehicles, which will provide home comforts, cooking and sanitation facilities for the team as they cycle across Europe and cross continents into Africa.

With the names “George & Amelia” and the words “Helping Save Lives. Big Hearts, Little Children” emblazoned on their cycling shirts, it is clear that this incredible cycle ride has a very special purpose that is indeed close to the hearts of the families of the four men taking part.

George and Amelia were both born with serious heart defects and are currently undergoing treatment. Their fathers are among the four cyclists. George and Amelia’s experiences inspired the friends to raise funds for Great Ormond Street and Evelina London Children’s Hospitals so that more children may benefit from their lifesaving research and care. 

A few weeks ago, one of the cyclists called Blakedale HQ and by chance spoke to one of our MDs, Carmen Bowley, who on hearing the team’s story offered to donate a Welfare Vehicle for the duration of their Challenge Africa journey, which they are aiming to complete within two weeks.

Kerry Gilligian, PA to the Blakedale Directors, has been closely involved in liaising with the intrepid cyclists to ensure the Welfare Vehicle is as ready for this epic journey as they are!

When they’re not on tour, Blakedale’s Mobile Welfare Units support highway maintenance, utilities, rail and construction workforce crews on site. All are fitted with at least 7 seats, cassette type toilet facilities, heating, microwaves, quick boil kettles and hot and cold wash facilities, as well as tow bars, reverse cameras, rear beacons, run lock mechanisms and full Chapter 8 decals and chevrons.

We’re very excited that one of our Welfare Vehicles will be supporting the team as they cycle to raise money for a great cause. We’ll be sharing photos and updates of their progress both on our website and via social media over the coming weeks, so watch this space!

In the meantime, if you would like to find out more, or to make a donation, please visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/challengeafrica.

Welfare Vehicle on tour Welfare Vehicle on tour