After months of fundraising and training in preparation for the big event, the Granfondo Stelvio Santini has finally arrived.
Today (5 June), PDS directors Tim Fairley and Pat Rice will head to Northern Italy in preparation for the Granfondo Stelvio Santini cycling challenge, which takes place on Sunday 7 June.
This will be the pair’s first Granfondo Stelvio Santini cycling challenge, but that hasn’t stopped them taking on the longest, most difficult route of three. The ride is 151.3km long and climbs three mountains - equal to 4,058m of vertical ascent. They plan to attack the challenge with a vengeance in order to raise funds for Rochdale-based partner charity, Springhilll Hospice.
Mr Fairley and Mr Rice have received incredible support leading up to the event. In November they established a fundraising target of £10K. Their most recent pledge was from Distinction Doors. The composite door supplier is a long-standing key supplier of PDS and its generous donation has meant that PDS has surpassed its target and reached a new grand total of £10,870.
Mr Fairley, managing director of PDS, said: ‘I am genuinely blown away by the amount raised and rest assured that on 7 June, while you are all enjoying your Sunday roast, Pat and myself will be somewhere close to exhaustion on a mountain in Italy.”
Mr Rice, commercial director at PDS, is also thrilled to have exceeded the target and is keen to get stuck into the challenge the duo have been anticipating since October 2014. He said: “The pressure is on now. We have surpassed the £10K target for Springhill Hospice, and have just got to do it now. Stelvio here we come!”
With over £10K riding on their backs, the pair are keen to cross the finish line in a good time. A spokesperson at Springhill Hospice, said: “Good luck to you both from everyone at Springhill. Your amazing fundraising really does help to keep the doors of the hospice open. Best wishes to you both and thank you.”
