Member Article

Paralympians inspire business leaders in Seashell's velodrome battle

Great Britain’s most successful Paralympian Dame Sarah Storey launched the inaugural Seashell Trust Cup to raise money for the charity’s profoundly disabled students

Business leaders went head-to-head on the track in the Seashell Trust’s Battle of the Champions at the HSBC National Cycling Centre.

Paralympic gold medal cyclists Jody Cundy MBE, Helen Scott and Neil Fachie, and double world champions James Ball and Jon Gildea were on hand to inspire the 32 cyclists on their thigh-burning laps against the clock.

The velodrome victor was Paul McSorely, from Optimus Build, with personal trainer Richard Parry hot on his wheels, followed by Tom Webb of Brazen PR.

Dame Sarah said: “I was delighted to attend the Battle of Champions event for the Seashell Trust, the competition was fierce and everyone had an enjoyable time. The fundraising challenge for the trust is quite something but the impact of realising it will be astronomical for the children and families they support. Seashell Trust can proudly say how they have moved and developed with the changing landscape over the past 200 years and this next phase sees them stepping up even further with their provision. It’s hugely inspiring.”

The Cheadle Hulme charity’s Transforming Lives Appeal is raising funds for a building a state-of-the-art school as part of its national centre of excellence in Cheadle Hulme.

It cares for children and young people with complex physical and learning disabilities, deafness, blindness, autism, and communication needs.

Rachel McCrystal, senior manager for Transforming Lives Appeal, said: “The event exceeded our expectations and all the participants have taken us up on the offer of coming to visit Seashell to learn more about the Transforming Lives Appeal.”

Teams from Morson International, PZ Cussons, B&M Stores, Boodles, Brown Shipley and Barclays took part in the event.

Bobby Arora, director of B&M Stores, said: “The event was wonderful from start to finish. Some exertive training, some challenging competition, some lovely company, and some terrific inspiration at the end. Most importantly, a great cause. It ticked all my boxes. Well done to all.”

To support the appeal, please contact Rachel McCrystal on 0161 610 0142 or Rachel.McCrystal@seashelltrust.org.uk

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Kathryn Dainty .