Former NFU President Peter Kendall and Oxford Farming Conference Chairman Richard Whitlock’s Farm Cycle Challenge has now raised more than £42,000 for charity.
The intrepid duo successfully completed their target in June of cycling more than 1000 miles, clockwise around the country in 12 days, from Skelmersdale to Stoneleigh, taking in all seven NFU regional offices and the NFU Cymru office.
The pair set out to raise money for their four chosen charities - The Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (R.A.B.I), the Addington Fund, the Farming Community Network, and Farm Africa, the charity working to end food poverty in Eastern Africa.
Mr Kendall, who served as President of the NFU for 8 years before stepping down last February, said: “It was always going to be a big test for both Richard and I and it wouldn’t have been possible without all the support we received along the way. From everyone who joined us on the road to the farmers who put us up overnight – they made it so much fun as well as rewarding for the charities. I would also like to thank the NFU Communications team for their hard work and support.
“But most of all I would like to say a big thank you to those who have donated so generously, the total is way beyond our expectations.”
Richard Whitlock said: “With website and direct donations we have now raised in excess of £42,000. That is an amazing sum. This has made the sweating and puffing really worthwhile. Peter and I both know that our chosen charities value the donations and will put it to very good use in the farming communities in the UK and Eastern Africa. We haven’t been put off cycling either and still go out just for pleasure on a regular basis. So if you see two middle aged men in lycra whizzing down a hill, give them a wide berth, as it might be us.
“Are we doing something next year, not sure? Am I up for an adventure next year, you bet, but looking at slightly more exotic locations.”
Meanwhile, a seven-strong NFU team has raised nearly £4,000 for the Farm Africa charity after recently completing the Prudential Ride London cycling challenge.
The team braved stormy weather to power their way over an arduous 86 mile course through the streets of London and the Surrey hills.
