Auditel consultant Laurence Fitch, has entered the first ever Lexus Great Britain Bike Ride which will be the first in a series of annual events to raise £1.5 million for charity over the next five years.

The challenge, which will start on 1st September and finish 4th September, will be to cycle the 340 miles from Lands End to Twickenham Stadium, arriving on the day of the London Double Header.

"We expect to have close on 200 riders out from Lands End, which is more than the Tour de France. The first two days scare the living daylights out of me as we cross Cornwall, Devon and Somerset, 196 miles mostly uphill. The last two days just frighten me! However, knowing the benefits of the funds we raise for the nominated charities should be more than enough incentive to keep me going," said Fitch (pictured).

During the four-day challenge, local rugby clubs will be providing overnight accommodation for Fitch and fellow cyclists. He hopes to raise at least £1,000 for the deserving charities: "Our nominated charities include Help for Heroes, they do fabulous work for servicemen and women injured in the current conflicts around the world. As an ex-serviceman myself, I really can appreciate the difference they are making. Less well known perhaps, are The RFU Injured Players Foundation and The RPA Benevolent Fund. These organisations provide support to rugby players who are seriously injured playing the sport they love. These charities help with rehibilitation and also other key areas like converting their accomodation so that it is suitbale for wheelchair access."

Fitch hopes that this first charity event will help get the ball rolling to reach the £1.5 million goal: "I hope this event is the incredible success it deserves to be, starting a momentum for the next five years."

Published: 24 August 2010

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