News

Cleaning and flooring staff prepare for 100K cycling challenge

Wednesday, November 18th, 2015

A seven-strong team of staff from Green Commercial Cleaning LTD and Contract Flooring & Interiors Ltd (CFI) are gearing up for a 100K cycling challenge to raise money for charity.

The colleagues are preparing to pedal power their way through the Big Bad Bike Ride in York on September 10, 2016.

The event raises money for UK and European research into Friedreich’s ataxia, a degenerative neurological disorder which usually becomes apparent in children only when they reach the age of seven or older.

It attacks the central nervous system and, by the age of 13, the child is likely to have to use a wheelchair. There is currently no cure or treatment.

The cycling team, which comprises of James and Elizabeth Needler, Maxine Saffery, Jane Balfour, Carl Edwards, Nick Wiles and Paul Hellwig, have to raise a minimum of £100 each towards the cause.

Commercial Manager Maxine has completed various outdoor challenges and said training is already underway, with the team hoping to raise at least £1,500.

She said: “It’s nice to get people together and focus on something outside of work too, as we can build on it as a team.

“It’s great to bring the two companies together and form one team for the bike ride.

“As part of our training, we are going to practice sections of the route once a month, which will prepare us for the challenge ahead and it might not come as so much of a shock.”

Green Commercial Cleaning continues to grow, investing in both staff and state-of-the-art equipment, and counting businesses including P&O Ferries and KC as long-standing clients.

CFI is established as one of the largest commercial flooring companies in the North of England, serving hundreds of clients across the region.

It boasts clients from both the public and private sector, from councils and schools to local building firms and national construction companies.

Last year, both companies joined the Government’s Cycle to Work scheme, which helped staff have a head start in signing up for the bike ride, as well as promoting a healthy workforce and saving money on purchasing a bike.

Elizabeth, Director at both companies, said: “We’ll need to bike two to three times per week and gradually build up as part of our training.

“We’re not really hard core, we’re just there for the fun. But it is a bit of a team building exercise too, as it’s good exercise and something to get fit for.

“We recently had fitness assessments done through East Riding Council.

“It’s not an easy route, as it’s quite hilly, but this might kick-start us into doing something annually.”

Some of the team already cycle to work, while CFI Contracts Manager Nick said he is starting from scratch, cutting back on junk food, takeaways and drinking, while increasing time spent in the gym.

He said: “I don’t really do any exercise, so this is a great starting point.

“It’s more of a challenge for me, but I’ve recently started in the gym and I’m looking forward to working towards it.”

To sponsor the team and help reach their fundraising target, e-mail [email protected]

For more information about the Big Bad Bike Ride, visit www.bigbadbikeride.com