Member Article

‘Team Rockliffe’ saddles up for gruelling fundraiser

A dedicated team of fundraisers is gearing up to take on a 147 mile cycling challenge to raise funds for the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS).

Fourteen staff from Rockliffe Hall in Hurworth, near Darlington hope to raise hundreds of pounds for the GNAAS, the 5* resort’s chosen charity for 2012 when they tackle the infamous Coast to Coast cycle route next month.

The team of intrepid cyclists have been in training for several months, taking part in various cycling challenges around the UK in preparation for the gruelling Coast to Coast ride which starts in the former coal mining and industrial lands of West Cumbria, taking in a variety of tough terrains across the Lake District before ending in Tynemouth.

Rockliffe Hall is helping to raise funds for the GNAAS throughout 2012 by holding events such as staff fundraising activities, making prize donations and offering the resort as a venue for GNAAS’s corporate events.

The GNAAS is a charity which operates without Government funding and therefore relies entirely on public donations. It has three aircraft stationed across its two bases at Durham Tees Valley Airport near Darlington and at Langwathby, near Penrith in Cumbria.

The team provides the highest standards of pre-hospital care at an accident scene and then flies the patient to the hospital best suited to their needs.

Managing director of Rockliffe Hall, Nick Holmes, is part of the team taking part in the Coast to Coast challenge. He said: “We know this is going to be really gruelling but we’re a hardy bunch who will encourage one another with our unending team spirit, I’m sure. The main aim is to raise funds for the GNAAS which is such a vital service supported by an amazingly dedicated team that saves lives. I think our three day trek is a small price to pay in return for this outstanding service.”

Mandy Drake, head of fundraising at GNAAS, added: “People do all sorts of inspiring things to raise money for our service- we really are overwhelmed by the lengths people will go to. Rockliffe Hall is a hugely supportive partner and this Coast to Coast challenge will be tough but I’m sure they’ll enjoy it and raise lots of cash. We all wish them well on their travels.”

‘Team Rockliffe’ will be taking part in the Coast to Coast challenge from 6th-8thSeptember and are keen to raise as much as possible. To sponsor the team, please visit http://www.justgiving.com/Rockliffe-Hall-Coast-to-Coast

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Anna Addison .