Revealed at the Pedalling for Pubs wrap party, hosted by Lucky Saint this week, ride founder, Katy Moses KAM Managing Director, announced that total fundraising for the 2023 campaign has smashed last year’s total of £274k, hitting an incredible £320k, all of which will be split between the fantastic industry charities, The Licensed Trade Charity and Only A Pavement Away.
The remarkable sum was raised by 26 riders from the hospitality industry, who tackled more than 450km of hills and challenging terrain this April, as they journeyed across Sri Lanka from coast to coast. Alongside the cyclists, the target smashing total was achieved thanks to supporting partners and sponsors which include KAM, Greene King, Punch Pubs, Wireless Social, Lucky Saint, BII, Airship/ Toggle, Barclaycard and Fleet Street.
Also confirmed at this week’s wrap party, ride organisers revealed the destination of Pedalling for Pubs 2024, with fundraisers set to cycle across Kenya next year. Applications to take part in this epic challenge are now open.
Katy Moses KAM Managing Director said, “I’m stunned by the amount raised! Fundraising for the inaugural ride came in over a significantly longer period, due to delays from Covid, so we didn’t think we’d get close to the 2022 total. To not only reach last year’s total, but to smash it is testament to how hard all fundraisers have worked and how much the industry has gotten behind this challenge. “
“A huge congratulations to the riders on completing, what I can tell you, was a gruelling test of endurance, and thank you so much to everyone who fundraised, sponsored and donated. The money raised from Pedalling for Pubs 2023 will be invaluable in supporting the Licensed Trade Charity and Only A Pavement Away deliver such vital work in our industry.”
Riders who successfully completed Pedalling for Pubs 2023 all come from the hospitality and food service industries, and include the likes of, Katy Moses of KAM, Clive Chesser of Punch Pubs, Olivia Fitzgerald of Zonal, Aaron Duffett of Lucky Saint, Mark Robson of New Dawn Pubs, Hamish Stoddart of Peach Pubs, Jackie Marlow of UK Hospitality, Luci Cunningham of Airship/Toggle and Mark Stretton of Fleet Street. The full list of riders can be viewed on the Pedalling for Pubs donation page.
Greg Mangham, Only A Pavement Away CEO said, “This fundraising enables us to hire two more relationship managers, which massively increases the number of veterans, prison leavers and people facing homelessness that we are able to support back into employment, which in turn puts huge amounts of money back into the economy while helping the hospitality industry find solutions to the staffing crisis.
Thank you to Katy, the supporters, sponsors, and riders, what you’ve accomplished is incredible and the money you’ve raised will make a big difference to so many people.”
Paula Smith, Head of Marketing at the LTC said “As one of the riders in Sri Lanka, I can confirm that 450km over 5 days was no mean feat, I don’t know if I’d have gotten over the line if it wasn’t for the incredible support of my fellow riders. Congratulations to everyone involved and thanks so much for all your effort in raising these vital funds, it makes the aches and pains all worth it!
With so many in our industry struggling, it is critical for the Licensed Trade Charity to be able to provide as much support for drinks people as possible, be it financial aid, help with mental wellbeing, housing, health, education or employment advice, and it is great fundraising campaigns such as this that allow us to keep caring for industry professionals in need.”
Fundraising for Only A Pavement Away and the Licensed Trade Charity continues with the inaugural Pedalling 2 Pubs UK Edition, taking place between 9th and 11th June 2023, with Steve Alton, CEO of the BII riding with 50 people from across the hospitality sector, 240km across the Yorkshire Wolds, in aid of these two charities.
To find out more about the challenge or to donate, please follow this link: https://pedallingforpubs.org.uk/donate/.
