Plumb and Parts Center’s Keith Driscoll has completed an epic 500 miles cycling trek from St Malo to Bordeaux.
Mr Driscoll and four friends took the challenge, arranged by Polypipe, to raise money for three charities.
The team hopes to raise £4,000, which will be split between Cancer Research UK, the British Heart Foundation and the Katie Haines Memorial Trust.
The Trust, one of Plumb and Parts’ nominated charities, was set up following the death of Ms Haines, who was only 31 when a carbon monoxide (CO) leak from a faulty boiler caused her to pass out and drown in the bath in 2010.
The charity is backing Plumb and Parts Center’s Make it Law Campaign, which calls for CO alarms to be fitted when any carbon-burning appliance is installed in England and Wales – it’s already compulsory in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Mr Driscoll, area trading manager for London and the South East, said the cause moved the whole team. He said: “Katie’s story is heart-rending and we’re delighted to support the vital work of the Trust. Safety is the number one priority in our industry, which is why we have named the Trust as one of our charity choices this year.
“My four colleagues were not aware of the Trust’s work before, but are now firm supporters. The team was amazing, and I couldn’t be more proud to have done this with them – working together really made the difference, especially on the harder parts of the ride,” he added.
Before setting off for France Mr Driscoll warmed up and raised awareness among colleagues with a 103 mile trek, taking in all 23 branches in his area.
“It was a tough challenge getting round 23 branches in a day but the support of the staff was terrific and it was the perfect way to prepare for France,” said Mr Driscoll.
The team is already looking forward to next year, which will be their fourth ride in as many years, with a trip up the iconic Alpe d’Huez, which is frequently used in the Tour de France, next on the agenda.
