Staff, customers and suppliers at Kent Blaxill raised £7,000 for the CLIC Sargent charity with a 175 mile cycle ride round the company’s eight East Anglian branches on September 12.

A total of 58 riders took part in the ‘KB Tour de Branch’ which started at Braintree at 6am and finished at the company’s Colchester headquarters at 7.15pm. The relay, in which riders competed in teams of four, was one of the company’s 175th anniversary events.

“We have had great feedback from those that took part,” said Simon Blaxill, Kent Blaxill managing director. “Everyone from experienced riders to relative novices participated in great spirit, which along with good weather helped to make it a fantastic day out for all. Many of them have asked whether we will hold it again next year.”

Cyclists included Mr Blaxill and his son Josh, board member Ben Kent, as well as Richard Cutter and Stephen Marshall from the Colchester branch; James Park and Kris Towells from the Ipswich branch; and Chris Peverett from the Bury St Edmunds branch.

Welcomes and feed stations were provided at all the company branches – Braintree, Sudbury, Bury St Edmunds, Norwich, Melton, Ipswich, Kirby and Colchester.

CLIC Sargent was designated as the event charity after the support it provided for a young Kent Blaxill employee in Colchester who sadly died of cancer in August. “It is a charity close to the hearts of a lot of people at the company after the fantastic support it provided,” said Mr Blaxill.

Other riders taking part in the event came from Kent Blaxill customers – including Horizon Construction, Rose Builders and TJ Evers. Manufacturer and supplier teams taking part in the ride included those from main sponsor Crown Trade, as well as Stoneham Kitchens, Expamet, Ibstock, Rixonway, Global Stone, All About Bricks, XL Joinery and Tembe DIY.

“The event was not intended to be a race, but as a challenge and a chance for all who are participating to enjoy the landscape of the East Anglian countryside as well as raising money for CLIC Sargent,” said Mr Blaxill. “The event has raised £7,000 so far with donations still coming in.”

Anyone wanting to sponsor the riders can find details at: https://www.justgiving.com/teams/KB175.


Picture caption: Riders prepare to set out on the last 20 mile leg of the 175 mile tour - from Kirby to Colchester.