Raising funds for Great North Air Ambulance, a team of adventurous cyclists took part in the famous Coast 2 Coast cycle trail from Whitehaven in the west to Tynemouth in the east.

10 took part in the 3 day event, leaving Whitehaven at 10.00 on a sunny Thursday morning of June 3rd having dipped the back wheels of the bikes in the sea. David Glynn, Stephen Bennie, Gavin Hutchinson, Dave Barnes, Brian Robinson, Dave Yates, Tony Buckley, Joe Watson, Andy Watson, and Denise Wilson all work for Magnox and Kitsons, but had put aside time to train for this challenging expedition. The route took the team through Loweswater and Keswick and through to Penrith covering some very picturesque countryside in the Lake District.

Dirt tracks, roads, mountains and fells were all part of the difficult terrain undertaken in the energy sapping sunshine. Great Salkeld was the target for day 1 with a welcome hot meal providing sustenance for the onwards journey.

Dave Yates, Magnox said, “Having covered 60 miles on day 1, the team set off for Castleside near Consett on Day 2 covering some very steep terrain through villages of Melmerby, Allenheads, Rookhope and through to Castleside with a distance of 112 miles under the belt. With early climbing to the summit of Hartside fell 1906’ above se level followed by another 4 equally testing climbs by the end of the day. The number of punctures grew, but the desire to carry on to the finish was never in doubt on another very warm and energy sapping day.”

Andy Watson, Kitsons said “Day 3 was a shorter trail with a much less challenging gradient running down through to Newcastle and ultimately into Tynemouth where the front wheels were again able to enjoy the sea water at the other side of the country with some 150 miles successfully covered over the three days in total.”

Andy continued “The Great North Air Ambulance provides, maintains and improves air ambulance cover across The North East and Cumbria and the £1000 raised through sponsorship will help support this essential service to all those who enjoy this picturesque location. Kitsons were pleased to have the opportunity to support Magnox for this event. Our legs have even recovered enough to consider doing the challenge again next year.”

Kitsons are part of the Silverdell Plc Group of companies. The Silverdell Group provide managed solutions for asbestos, industrial,remediation and environmental services for large and small projects nationally. Working with partners in public, private, construction and industrial markets, we are committed to creating an improved environment in which to live and work.

For further information please visit www.kitsons.co.uk .