Westover's Andy Joins Dallaglio and Flintoff for a Cycle Slam
22 November 2011
Andy Neill, Financial Controller at the Westover Group is taking part in a fundraising cycle ride that will see him pedalling alongside sporting legends Lawrence Dallaglio (former captain of the England rugby team) and Freddie Flintoff (ex-English cricketer and fast bowler), who are travelling by bike from Greece to the London 2012 Olympic Stadium.
The two sporting stars, who aim to raise more than £2 million for the Dallaglio and Flintoff Foundations, will be accompanied by just 50 other riders on each section of their five-stage epic 1,700 mile journey. Andy is joining them for the final leg, starting at Nancy in France and arriving in Stratford, East London four days and 350 miles later on Friday 18th May.
Andy’s journey involves cycling through an area known to cyclists as the ‘Hell of the North’ – a series of French cobbled roads where discomfort, wheel punctures and mechanical problems reign supreme. However, he’s hoping that a life-long love of cycling (set in motion when he was given a second hand Chopper as a birthday present) and the thought of the awe-inspiring moment when he pedals through the gates of the Olympic Stadium will spur him on.
“Dallaglio and Flintoff are an inspiration to me,” says Andy. “To have the opportunity to take part in something alongside both of them is amazing – to cycle to the Olympic Stadium and raise money at the same time makes it even better! It’s a brilliant incentive to continue training throughout the winter and a great goal for next year.”
“I’m lucky enough to have loads of support, with my family and friends really behind me. Westover is also generously contributing towards the cost of the entry fee and I have a minimum fund-raising target of £3,000. I’m hoping that some of the Group’s manufacturing partners will want to get involved too.”
Andy, his wife and three sons cycle as a family, both locally (at Moors Valley and in the New Forest) and further afield, in places like the Yorkshire Dales and Snowdon. Last spring, his eldest son, now aged 15, encouraged him to start regular training, building their times and extending their routes. The pair took part in the British Heart Foundation London to Brighton ride earlier in the year and then raised the bar by completing their first competitive 60 mile ride last month.
“I used to pedal slowly so my sons could keep up with me, but now the tables have turned and they’re the ones urging me on! Sadly Sam can’t join me on the Olympic ride because the minimum age is 18 but I know he’ll be following me very closely from home.”
Keith Martin, Westover Group Financial Director, adds: “We wish Andy the very best of luck with his training. It’s an amazing adventure and we’re backing him all the way!”
