A local business needs your support, here's how you can help...

I've always been a huge fan of Fentimans, Looby loves their victorian Lemonade and I'm a huge fan of their pink grapefruit flavour.  What I didn't know was that they're actually a company born in the North East of England, Hexham in fact so when they asked if I would write an article in support of their charity efforts in exchange for some drinks I said yes, Looby wanted the drinks and I wanted to support a local company to do something good.  I won't say too much as I think their press release covers many of the points.  But for the lazy skim readers amongst us, basically, Fentimans are uniting with Hanover Dairies to cycle 300 miles for the Rainbow Trust.  The Big Cycle will see them ride for 7 days over 300 miles, I can barely run for the bus so it's not for the feint of heart!  the charity at the heart of their quest supports families who are going through the trauma of having a seriously ill child, something not many of us have had to experience luckily but even when I spent over a month in hospital with Looby a couple of years ago, I can tell you how traumatic it is to see your child at the worst point of their lives.  I was luckily, after 3 rounds of surgery Looby was finally better and is well today, it's not always the case for other families and my heart goes out to them and thats' why I'm proud to support The Big Cycle.

Here's some things you can do - To support ‘The Big Cycle’ and make an online donation visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/hanover-dairies-limited.  The text message giving code to donate via text is: MILK73 to 70070.

Here's that all important Press Release with all of the official details.

FENTIMANS AND HANOVER DAIRIES UNITE TO CYCLE 300 MILES FOR THE

RAINBOW TRUST CHILDREN’S CHARITY

On the 29 th of June, two long-standing friends from North East drinks giants Hanover Dairies and Fentimans, makers of premium mixers and soft drinks are taking part inan ambitious bike ride called ‘The Big Cycle’. It will see them embark on an epic 7 day 300-mile cycle to raise money and awareness for The Rainbow Trust, which supports families with a seriously ill child.  The cycle itself will take on some of the most challenging national parks andcountryside across the UK. Starting at Kielder Forest, the route takes them to Lake Windemere, it then follows Kendal to Preston on Lancaster Canal, the Peak District, Cannock Forest Trails, the Forest of Dean and then it finally finishes at the Rainbow Trust HQ in Surrey. 

The Rainbow Trust is a national charity which offers emotional and practical support for the whole family; from their child’s diagnosis, during treatment and, if needed, through bereavement and beyond. It relies almost entirely on voluntary donations and the money raised from events like this help the charity to continue the support over 2,300 families through its nine care teams in England.  The Big Cycle Team hopes to raise over £20,000 for Rainbow Trust. Trevor, Owner of Hanover Dairies says: “We are passionate about supporting Rainbow Trust so have decided todo a cycle challenge to raise money for this special charity. We will be raising funds through our many doorstep milk customers, family and friends. “Currently our training schedule sees us covering 50 plus miles per day on our bikes to ensure we meet the challenge ahead. It’s exciting to be working alongside Fentimans for this event and we hope to raise awareness and significant funds to help support families who have a seriously ill child.”

Oonagh Goodman, Director of Fundraising and Marketing at Rainbow Trust, says:“We are incredibly grateful that Hanover Dairies in association with Fentimans istaking on this enormous challenge to help raise awareness and funds for RainbowTrust. I would like to say a huge thank you to all those involved, and I’m especially excited to welcome the riders to our Head Office in Leatherhead when they arrive in June.”

To support ‘The Big Cycle’ and make an online donation visit

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/hanover-dairies-limited

The text message giving code to donate via text is: MILK73 to 70070


I was sent a selection of Fentimans drinks in exchange for some help to publicise this bike ride and though Fentimans won't pay my bills, it's a charity I support, a local business which I want to succeed and really, such an ambitious goal, I couldn't really say no even though I'm working 15 hours a day with The Inspire Network currently!

I will get back to my regular blogging schedule one day....