Midlands builders get on their bikes to beat cancer

Cycle ride in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support.

Nine plucky builders from the Midlands this week cycled more than 110 miles from Coventry to Salford, to help beat cancer.

The challenge was part of an ongoing nine-leg cycle spanning the UK and ending in Glasgow and the builders – from Midlands-based BAM Construction – were raising money for Macmillan Cancer Support in its campaign to ensure nobody faces cancer alone. They included a plant manager, a construction manager, two engineers, an environmental adviser, a surveyor, a designer, a business development manager and a financier.

Their route took the cyclists through Balsall Common and Meriden on past the Belfry and Drayton Manor Park and near the National Memorial Arboretum to Fradley for a break. They then went through Kings Bromley to skirt around the Shugborough Estate and past Whitmore Hall to Keele for another well-earned breather. Then it was onwards and upwards through Alsager Bank and Holmes Chapel, past Tatton Park to Altrincham and finally past Old Trafford on the way to BAM’s office in Salfordr.

Nick Moore, who organised the route, said: “Cancer is such a widespread illness and we all know somebody who has needed treatment or had to fight it. It’s so important to give people help and support when they face that challenge. BAM places a big emphasis on being a responsible company that gives something back to the community and we’re pleased we can do something to help in this healthy way.”

One participant on the cycle was Adrian Tasker, who has had extensive surgery to repair damaged ankles and is taking the journey shortly before he gets married for a second time. He explained , “I lost my first wife to cancer, and after my own severe injuries, it’s a very satisfying way for me to contribute to raising funds for the fight against what this illness can do. We’re a company that is very engaged with community around us, and I can tell you that it means a lot to us all to help Macmillan.”

The cyclists were sponsored by numerous Midlands-based companies, including groundworkers Parkstone, landscaping and excavation company Ground Control, D&A Decorators, Midlands Scaffolding Services, J&P Carpentry & Joinery and Tysley-based granite and tiling specialists Birmingham Tile & Mosaic Company. To support the cycle against cancer campaign please donate at http://www.justgiving.com/bambikesmidlands