Cyclists' challenge gears up to help charity GROW

Sunday 08 August 2021

A group of 11 cyclists have set themselves the challenge of riding five times around the island to raise £5,000 for GROW.

The 110-mile cycle-thon takes place on Sunday 14 August, starting and finishing at the Peninsula Hotel.

Christophe Gaultier is behind the initiative which is in its second year and with a new beneficiary. “Last year we rode for Autism Guernsey, a charity I am keen to support.

"This year we’re turning our attention to GROW because my good friend Neil Brouard’s stepson, Tom Lowe, is a member of the Crew here.”

Pictured: Some of the cyclists taking part in the charity challenge, which has so far raised just over £4,000 for GROW. 

GROW’s Manager, Eddie Higgins, will be taking part and is keen to encourage people to sponsor the team HERE to help bring GROW's ambitious plans to fruition. 

Established almost 40 years ago the operation is about to relocate to temporary accommodation while their vinery site undergoes a major redevelopment, which is estimated to cost around £3m. 

The purpose-built accommodation including repurposed greenhouses and a major facilities centre, will increase GROW’s capacity to deliver services and enable them also to provide training in transferable skills which will include hospitality and retail.

This will mean that some of the Crew, as the attendees are known, can move with confidence into employment in commercial sectors. Accommodation and facilities for other like-minded charities will be available on the site, creating the island’s first 'disability hub'.

Pictured top: Top row left to right - Richard Le Marquand, Jez Vaudin, Neil Brouard, Tom Lowe and Dan Smith. Bottom row - Tom Stonebridge, Steve Holmes, Shaun Robert, Eddie Higgins and Christophe Gaultier.