Lookers team complete 650km Birmingham to Belfast charity bike ride

Lookers chief operating officer Duncan McPhee has celebrated the completion of a “challenging, but incredibly rewarding” 650km fund-raising bike ride in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support and Papyrus.

McPhee was part of a team of cyclists from the AM100 PLC which tackled gruelling climbs, potholes and changeable weather on-route from Birmingham to Belfast to raise £150,000 on the six-day ride.

“We were thrilled to cross the finish line when we got to Belfast after completing what was a tough, often challenging, but incredibly rewarding experience”, said McPhee.

“Despite the extremes of weather, potholes, and all those hills, the team were phenomenal – and it wasn’t just the riders involved.

“All our colleagues right across the Lookers’ family were remarkable in their support throughout the cycle, from training to logistics, fundraising and refreshments while always sharing plenty of encouragement and moral support.”

A team of 10 from Lookers set off from Birmingham’s Vauxhall Selly Oak dealership on September 25, travelling through Stafford, Crewe and Preston – in addition to stopping off at Lookers Group headquarters in Altrincham – on-route to their destination in Ambleside.

A second team then took the baton on the second leg of the challenge through Carlisle, Dumfries and Ayr, with the cyclists finally crossing the finish line at the Charles Hurst headquarters, in Belfast, on September 30.

Their efforts will help Macmillan Cancer Support provide its specialist health care, information and financial support to people affected by cancer and Papyrus in its efforts to the prevent suicide and the promote of positive mental health and emotional wellbeing in young people.

McPhee, who was part of the finishing team, said: “I would also like to pay tribute to our support team of medics, mechanics and lead riders without whom this could not have happened. 

“To say that I am exceptionally proud of what our team have achieved is an understatement and so I’d like to offer my sincere thanks and appreciation to everyone who has supported this epic challenge.

“We are committed to supporting communities right across Scotland, England and Northern Ireland and to raise £150,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support and Papyrus for the important work they do. It’s been our privilege to support them in their challenges as part of an experience few of us will ever forget.”

To find out more about the Lookers charity cycle ride and to donate visit its JustGiving Page.