GM Fundraising launches ‘final’ cycling challenge ‘From Russia with Hope’

The National Cycling Centre in Manchester played host to the launch of GM Fundraising’s next and final cycling challenge, ‘From Russia With Hope’. Taking place in June 2019, the team of 18 riders will cycle 10 countries in 12 days, covering 2,730 miles and 34,000ft of climbing. Leading hardware supplier, Brisant Secure is headline sponsor for the event. “’From Russia With Hope’ promises to be the biggest and hardest cycling challenge to date,” comments Gary Morton, founder of GM Fundraising. “The team, which includes 19 members of the Border2Border riding and support team, will be covering in excess of 280 miles each day as they cycle from St Petersburg, through Finland, into the arctic circle, through Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Holland, Belgium, France, England and Wales, before arriving at Hope House Children’s Hospice in Oswestry.

While the amount of climbing seems meek compared to some of our previous rides, the reality is that 70% of this will take place in the last two days as the team cycle through England and Wales – anyone who has ridden the Shropshire hills will know this is a challenge in itself. “The target for this ride is £125,000. Every penny raised will go directly to Hope House Children’s Hospices to support the care of children and their families affected by life-limiting illnesses. This is only possible because, as with all GM Fundraising events, every person taking part covers their own costs, backed up by the generosity of our headline sponsor Brisant Secure.” Gary continues: “‘From Russia With Hope’ is the 7th and final major cycling challenge for good reason: Aside from the immense amount of work that goes into the planning and execution, each time we must increase the challenge and funds raised. This is no easy task.

“By the time Border2Border started we already had plans for this ride in place. But what we didn’t plan for was Paddle2Pedal. The combination of two disciplines and the overriding success of the inaugural “girls only” challenge, which more than doubled its original target, opened our eyes to the future of the GM Fundraising challenges. So, while this last traditional ‘cycling challenge’ as we know it and we intend to go out on a high, we are by no means over when it comes to setting epic challenges and raising significant funds for Hope House. In addition, I feel the time is right. None of us are getting any younger and these challenges really do take it out of you. ‘From Russia With Hope’ starts here. Many of the team are already in training as they all understand the importance of achieving peak fitness and stamina ahead of June 10th when we embark on our final challenge which promises to be the biggest and toughest challenge to date.” For more info about the team taking part in the challenge and to follow their training visit www.gmfundraising.co.uk /From RussiaWithHope