Press Release
Gatwick Airport gets on its bike in support of local hospice
21 February 2011
Gatwick Airport gets on its bike in support of local hospice
21 February 2011
Gatwick Airport is switching its focus from planes to bicycles – but holidaymakers needn’t worry as its all for a good cause!
The airport is the proud sponsor of the St Catherine’s Hospice Sussex Weald Bike ride, which takes place Sunday 22nd May.
The hospice is also set to benefit from a number of collection boxes sited at the airport for the next two years. The funds from these will go to support vital end of life care for local people when they need it most.
The bike ride offers budding cyclists a selection of all-new on-road routes through the picturesque Sussex countryside, starting and finishing at Handcross Park School. Riders can choose from a gentle 10 mile circuit; a 22 mile option; a more challenging 32 mile route or the real test of the 44 mile tour.
Stewart Wingate, CEO of Gatwick Airport says, “We are delighted to be supporting St Catherine’s Hospice in this way. As a keen cyclist myself I will be signing up for the challenge and I invite people across the area to get on their bikes for their local hospice on 22nd May. As an organisation, we’re going to enter 100 people and we’d urge other businesses to consider the ride as a great motivational challenge for their staff.”
Shaun O’Leary, Chief Executive of St Catherine’s Hospice says, “The support of Gatwick Airport is set to take our bike ride to a new level and we cannot thank them enough for their on-going commitment to our cause. We rely on the generosity of local people and organisations such as Gatwick Airport to help us find the £4.7 million a year we need in voluntary contributions to ensure our caring services continue.”
Crawley MP Henry Smith, who was at the launch photocall at Gatwick Airport, says “This is the perfect example of how local business can really support the aims of a much loved local charity, and I hope it’s the start of a long and fruitful relationship between Gatwick Airport and St Catherine’s Hospice.”
Advanced registration is £15 or £23 on the day, with teams of six or more adults receiving a 20% discount. Under 18s ride for free so why not enjoy the ride with all the family?
To sign up or for more information about the event, log onto www.stch.org.uk and follow the Sussex Weald Bike Ride link. Alternatively, please call Jen Wickham on 01293 447364 or email jenwickham@stch.org.uk
For more press information, photos or interviews:
Siobhan Meaker, St Catherine’s Hospice
tel: 01293 447362 email: siobhanmeaker@stch.org.uk
