STAFF from Cumbrian housebuilders got on their bikes to help raise funds for the air ambulance service.
Representatives of Genesis Homes and Russell Armer Homes cycled a combined distance of 85 miles to help boost their fundraising total past the £2,000 mark - and were greeted by the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) mascot, Miles the Bear, at the finish line.
The challenge saw eight employees cycle in a relay format to and from the company’s completed or ongoing housing developments throughout Cumbria, with the team of fundraisers all coming together to ride side-to-side to complete the final leg.
Katy Aris, who kickstarted the cycling action with the first leg of the route, said: “A huge well done to our amazing team members who definitely put in the extra miles to make sure the fundraising total for such a great charity has significantly grown.
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"They certainly pushed themselves to the limit to clock up the miles, and they’ve all done so well to successfully complete what was a very challenging and draining day in the sunshine.
"GNAAS is an amazing charity which provides life-saving, pre-hospital medical assistance transport via ambulance helicopters to thousands of people across the north of England each year, so to be able to show our appreciation and support to an organisation which relies on public donations is a great feeling.
"We would all like to thank everyone who came out to shout encouragement to our cycling crew and to all who have donated to help us raise so much money so far. It was great to visit our housing developments and meet some of our customers who we thank for their continued support and donations on the day," she said.
Next up in the Genesis Homes fundraising calendar on behalf of GNAAS is a charity golf day at Penrith Golf Club on Wednesday, August 24.
Teams of four will compete in a Stableford competition with individual prizes for nearest the pin and nearest the pin up for grabs, in addition to team prizes.
Later in the year, a spectacular Bohemian-themed ball at Carlisle Racecourse on Saturday, November 19 will serve as the highlight of the fundraising activities.
To express an interest in either event or to find out more, contact Katy Aris at katy.aris@genesis-homes.co.uk.
READ MORE: Carlisle lit up in green to celebrate 20 years of GNAAS
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