STAFF from a Manchester accountancy firm took part in a gruelling bike ride from London to Leeds to help raise money for charity.
Workers from Baker Tilly, a firm of chartered accountants and business advisers, cycled 71 miles from Liverpool to Preston via the firm's office in Hardman Street, Manchester.
The team saddled up as part of the nationwide ‘Tour de Baker Tilly’ - a 660 mile ride involving 300 riders from 23 of the firm’s UK offices.
The event aims to raise more than £10,000 for Anthony Nolan and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.
The Tour began in London ahead of a separate Scottish leg which ran from Glasgow to Edinburgh.
The third and final leg kicked off in Birmingham before arriving at the firm’s Leeds office just before the start of the Tour de France on Saturday.
Also participating were Baker Tilly clients, local businesses and professionals from across Manchester.
Jill Jones, Baker Tilly’s North West Regional Managing Partner who also took part in the event, said: ‘It was a tough 71-mile stint for everyone that took part, especially on what was one of the hottest days of the year so far.
"But the camaraderie was great, and cycling through the centre of Manchester with people cheering us on and waving gave us a real boost.
"I’d like to thank the staff from all Baker Tilly’s offices across the North West region, as well as the local businesses that took part in order to raise money for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and Anthony Nolan.
"These two charities do so much important work, and we’re delighted to be supporting them through this event.’
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award helps young people aged between 14 and 24 build confidence and develop self-esteem by progressing through three levels to achieve a Bronze, Silver or Gold Award.
Anthony Nolan is a charity that saves the lives of people with blood cancer and blood disorders.
It helps match individuals willing to donate their blood stem cells or bone marrow to people with blood cancer and blood disorders who desperately need lifesaving transplants.
Those wishing to sponsor the riders can visit their fundraising page at http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/TDBT14
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here