Pub workers to cycle 270km across Norfolk for charity
Three-day challenge for hospitality workers set to raise over £250k for those in need
Over 60 hospitality professionals are gearing up to participate in the Pedalling to Pubs Challenge, a three-day cycling event to raise money for people in the industry.
Taking place from 4th to 6th June in Norfolk, the challenge will cover a over 270km.
The event aims to raise over £250,000 for charities 'LTC' and 'Only A Pavement Away', providing support to pub workers facing difficulties.
The 'Licensed Trade Charity' provides emotional and financial support to individuals in the sector.
'Only A Pavement Away', helps people facing homelessness by placing them in hospitality jobs.
Along the way, participants will visit local pubs across Norfolk, including stops at Gardeners Arms, Bell Inn Rickinghall, Elveden Inn, Hares Arms, Sculthorpe Mill and Dead Wax.
From Norwich, to Thetford and Kings Lynn, their aim is to raise as much awareness as possible.
Steve Alton, CEO of the British Institute of Innkeeping and the event’s lead rider said:
" We're all doing it for two amazing charities that work in our sector,
the people that are serving you your drink and food, go through tough times. And when they hit those challenges, these two charities are there to really help them get them back on their feet and doing what they do so brilliantly."
Steve mentioned the hard times members of the hospitality industry are facing at the moment with rising costs and taxation.
" These charities make a huge difference. They transform people's lives and people are facing real hardship at the moment. So it really matters" Steve said.
Passersby are being encouraged to engage with the riders as they cycle across the region.
"We hope to see many people across Norfolk as we're peddling around. We're going to be quite a sight. We've got some bright blue and orange cycling gear. We've got some support vehicles with some big badges on the side. Come and say hello," he said.
With an emphasis on the valuable role pubs and hospitality workers play in their communities, Steve said that the individuals taking part, prioritise their communities despite facing their own business challenges.