VADO Velo Raises £75,000 for Charity

The inaugural VADO Velo has raised a staggering £75,000 for charity after members of the KBB industry embarked on a gruelling 240-mile cycle ride through northern France.

Raising money for the African Children’s Fund, 38 cyclists were challenged to a three-day voyage from Calais to Reims via Arras and St Quentin. With all participants tasked with raising up to £2,250 each, all proceeds would be donated to the ACF’s Kenyan Schools Programme to aid six schools located around Thika, a small town near Nairobi, Kenya.

Departing Calais on September 6^th, 2019, cyclists travelled approximately 80 miles per day for three days, experiencing steep inclines, multiple punctures and various tyre replacements. To compensate for such arduous challenges, cyclists were treated to breathe-taking landscapes, cultural landmarks and well-deserved hospitality courtesy of CCD Global Events.

Aiming initially to raise £55,000 for the African Children’s Fund, the inaugural VADO Velo smashed their target sum leaving event organisers Dean Pamphilon and Lee Palmer delighted at the event’s debut success.

‘To raise £75,000 in the event’s first year is a monumental success’, commented Lee Palmer.

‘We knew 240 miles in three days would be a huge challenge, but every cyclist rose to the occasion and we couldn’t have done it without them. I would personally like to thank all our sponsors and those who donated. The event was planned to perfection and the money raised will be invaluable in helping children’s lives in Kenya.’

After such a successful and memorable event, VADO would like to thank all the teams and sponsors who contributed to this fantastic cause, including Berkeley Homes, Mayflower Bathrooms, Monument Tools, Merlyn, Grant & Stone and Premier Contract Supplies. The money raised will be invaluable in supporting six schools located around Thika, a small town near Nairobi, Kenya.

Palmer added, ‘KBB members who missed out this year will be pleased to know we are already in talks with event organisers for a 2020 VADO Velo. Watch this space’.