Staff and customers at Stoneleigh Park’s Farmers Fayre Shop & Kitchen are getting active for Comic Relief this week. The Warwickshire venue is challenging keen cyclists to cover the 603 miles from Land’s End to John O’Groats without leaving the comfort of the café and shop by making the journey on a static Watt bike.
The cycling challenge, which began on Monday 20 March, sees colleagues and visitors take it in turns to cover the distance, in slots of a minimum of 15 minutes. Due to be completed on Red Nose Day (Friday 24 March), it hopes to raise much-needed funds to help people in need both in the UK and overseas.
“The ride is open to everyone so we’re hoping colleagues and customers, friends and family, will get involved,” said Farmers Fayre director Nicola Reece. “We would love to raise at least £1 for every mile we cycle so we want as many people as possible to keep the wheels turning during the challenge which runs from 8am to 5pm, from Monday through to Friday. Our own team of staff is backing up the ride and will cover any empty slots during the challenge but we’re hoping there won’t be too many!”
The static bike has been provided by Stoneleigh Park neighbours Rejuven8 Physiotherapy, who will also donate a recovery pack of goodies for whichever cyclist covers the most miles during the week.
Stoneleigh Park’s Estates Director Colin Hooper said: “It’s a fantastic challenge and really enters into the spirit of doing something fun to raise money for Comic Relief. Farmers Fayre organise a rounders tournament at Stoneleigh Park for charity every summer which has become a hugely popular event among businesses based here on the estate. They will no doubt rally round during the week to support this challenge, especially as they can cycle without having to leave the warmth and conviviality of Farmers Fayre!”
Those interested in joining the challenge can register to book a time slot by dropping into Farmers Fayre or by visiting its Facebook page