On behalf of Macmillan we would like to thank them all for taking part. They tell us they had huge amounts of fun and were liberated by the experience, so much so that they are already planning next year's trip and dragging even more of their colleagues to join the adventure!
Team quotes:
'I'm cycling Liverpool to Kew to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support in memory of my father, Alan, who died last year. He loved the English countryside - as a walker rather than a cyclist, and I feel he would have thoroughly approved of our route (in particular the sections through Shropshire and Gloucestershire ;-)
Late May is also, in my opinion, when the English countryside is at it's best. But don't get me wrong – I'm not just cycling for the fun of the tour! 265 miles by bike in 3 days is going to be tough! Make no mistake!! I wish that my parents could have had the support of a Macmillan nurse last year. And that's why I'm working hard to raise every penny we can for Macmillan.'
Helen Fenton
'I'm doing the ride to prove to myself I can do it! And to raise some money for a great cause.'
Dan Hawker
'I have been involved with several organised charity fundraising events for Bluefin, but this is by far the most challenging! Macmillan Cancer Support is a fantastic charity to be raising awareness for and hopefully a great deal of cash for much needed projects.'
Andrew Brown
'On the 20th of May I will be swapping the pushchair for a pushbike and be joining the Bluefin office to office charity bike ride. When asked about the trip I said "what yeah ok I'll do it." It was only later that I realised just how far Liverpool to Kew is!'
Tony Harper
'As the "Cycling Dutchman" in the Bluefin team I welcome any event that raises the profile of cycling. I truly believe that many more people could benefit from cycling, and that it should be considered as a good alternative for local transport.'
Jan van Ansem
'As a keen cyclist this is a great opportunity to raise money for Macmillan in memory of my Dad who died recently from bladder cancer. At the time there was no local Macmillan support available, so I hope that we can help ensure that others get the benefit of the fantastic work they do.'
Peter Conway
'One of our friends has recently been diagnosed with cancer which has sadly pushed the work organisations like Macmillan to forefront of our thoughts. The cycle ride gives me a perfect opportunity to do something to support an organisation that supports and cares for cancer sufferers and their families.'
Andy Wilson
'I have been engaged in a punishing training schedule with the Bluefin S-Max Support Vehicle for over two weeks. Initially practising with short drives of about 5 miles, I have now completed a 75 mile run along similar roads to those we will be using in May. I'm now quietly confident of outpacing the others come the main event.'
Nick Heath
'I'm doing this for two main reasons: one, for not to apply the count-10-before-you-answer rule when I was offered and two, being to proud to rectify. As well as them, I think raising money for a Charity like MacMillan is a worth while motive. I'd also like to show my boys the importance of helping other people and justify all the hours daddy spent on top of that stupid bike dressed like a robot and not playing with them. Everything was done for a good cause. Ann, thanks for supporting me, as always.'
Gabriel Matesanz