A keen cyclist and regular fundraiser, Grant Grier is always looking for a cause to support.
Working at Wincanton’s National Distribution Centre for Screwfix in Stafford gave him the opportunity to satisfy both these ambitions in one ambitious challenge when he took on the Etape Royale 100 mile cycling event through the Cairngorms recently.
Each year Wincanton chooses a charity to raise funds for, and the 1100+ workforce puts on a range of activities throughout the year with the aim of raising a substantial amount of cash for this charity. This year the distribution centre, located on Prologis Park in Stafford, has pledged to support Staffordshire’s Therapeutic Independent Neurological Group (STING). Grant was keen to contribute to this with his marathon cycling challenge and, consequently, found himself in the dark early hours of a September morning facing the immense journey through some of the most daunting routes in Scotland.
3 days before his event, Grant had almost been forced to pull out with a back injury. However, his doctor eventually cleared him to take part, and he was up with the lark at an unearthly hour one morning full of confidence. Everything was fine until Grant hit a pot hole while going downhill at over 60 mph, resulting in his Tom Tom flying off his bike. Fortunately, the Wild Fox event organisers found the Tom Tom, though sadly not in one piece!
Over the next few miles Grant’s bike chain came off four times, and then he started to get cramp in his feet and legs. Being an ex-serviceman Grant soldiered on, though through some of the most extreme hills he’d ever encountered on a bike!
After almost ten hours of extreme cycling, Grant finally reached the end of the 100 mile course – bravely completing 102 miles due to an extended diversion at the finish!
Exhausted, though elated, Grant has not been deterred by his ordeal, and is delighted that he has been able to raise at least £465 through sponsorship.
Grant said:
The event was both uplifting and stimulating, and I was delighted to be passed fit to compete after all the months of training. It has been fantastic to raise such an amount for STING, and I’m now thinking about what my next challenge will be!”
Peter Marenghi, Vice Chairman of STING who also works at the site in Stafford, is very grateful for Grant’s efforts.
Grant is a great bloke, and often puts himself forward to raise funds for us in interesting ways. His enthusiasm and ability puts many half his age to shame. All of us at STING are so indebted to him!”
[box type=”info” align=”aligncenter” ]STING works to support anybody in the area with a neurological condition, which includes multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and many other conditions. The group operates out of Unit 22b on Whitebridge Estate in Stone, which is fully adapted for disabled and wheelchair access allowing members to attend regular activities and take part in group discussions, wellbeing sessions and exercise classes, as well as being able to access neurological therapies. More details of the charity can be found on STING’s website, www.sting-staffordshire.org.uk, and on their Facebook page.
For further details of the work that STING does in the area, or how Wincanton supports them during the year, contact Peter Marenghi on 07736-522474 or at petermarenghi@hotmail.co.uk. [/box]
