A team of bike riders from Barratt Homes are gearing up for a 248-mile journey from London to Paris. They are taking on the challenge to raise funds for Andy's Man Club - which has a branch in Bolton - a charity specialising in men's mental health and suicide prevention. The group of 23 employees hopes to raise more than £50,000 and are being joined by riders from Urban Regen, Wardhadaway, and Designer Contracts.
Andy's Man Club, chosen as Barratt Homes Manchester's charity of the year for the last two years, offers peer-to-peer support across the UK, aimed at removing the stigma around men's mental health . Mike Clearly, finance director of Barratt Manchester, emphasized the importance of the charity saying: "It’s a fantastic charity – as a middle-aged man I am conscious that I am in the age and gender group which sadly account for the highest proportion of suicide deaths. "Anything any of us can do to support this charity is extremely worthwhile.
" BM - Divisional Director of Designer Contracts Lee Hassett is getting his practice in before the main event (Image: Barratt Homes Manchester) The team estimates the trip will take three days to complete. To prepare for this monumental journey, the riders have been training hard. Eion Reynolds, senior site manager at Barratt Homes Manchester, shared his training routine: "I train as and when I can, mostly evenings and weekends when I can find the time.
"Again, due to time constraints, I cannot follow a set training plan, I am just trying to spend as much time on the bike as I can. "During the week, I might do one or two 10-mile rides, and on the weekends I try and do at least one longer ride of anywhere between 20 and 40 miles." BM - Graduate Quantity Surveyor Olivia Carroll take a short break before getting back to it (Image: Barratt Homes Manchester) The journey is set to take place between September 19 and 22, after which the total amount raised will be confirmed and donated to the charity.
Steve Garth, technical manager of Barratt Manchester, shared: "I’m glad to be riding for the Andy’s Man Club charity for the work they do in suicide prevention. "I’ve known several people who have felt desperate enough to attempt suicide. "Having someone to talk to could have made all the difference and shown that suicide wasn’t the only option.
"Please donate and help Andy’s Man Club continue their lifesaving work. "See you on the road to Paris." For those interested in supporting this charity, more information can be found on the Andy’s Man Club website.
The group's training progress and journey can be followed at www.barratt-manchesters-fundraiser-for-andysmanclub.com/.
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