Two members of Cheshire-based Sports Coaching Group team are preparing to cycle more than 300 miles (500kms) in five days to raise money for two causes close to the heart of the company as it celebrates its 15th anniversary.
Tom Kesteven, Lucas Turner, with firm mascot Tommy the Tiger, will visit all 41 schools where Sports Coaching Group currently delivers its services, across Cheshire, Staffordshire and Shropshire in a demanding endurance challenge.
The pair hope to raise at least £1,000, with funds being split between EMPHASIS Community Interest Company, and the mental health charity MIND.
Money raised for EMPHASIS Community Interest Company, the parent organisation of Sports Coaching Group, will help provide free holiday club places for children who may otherwise be unable to access enriching activities during the school holidays.
The second cause has a special significance for the organisation.
Donations will also support MIND in memory of former Sports Coaching Operations Manager James Ellwood, whose impact continues to be felt throughout the company, a decade after helping shape its growth and success.
James began his career with Sports Coaching Group as a Lead Coach and quickly established himself as a respected and influential member of the team.
His dedication to young people, colleagues and the wider community saw him progress to Operations Manager, where he played a key role in the organisation’s development.
Although James tragically passed away in 2016, his legacy remains an important part of Sports Coaching Group’s story.
The challenge forms part of Sports Coaching Group’s celebrations marking 15 years of supporting children, schools and communities through sport, education and physical activity programmes.
Throughout the five-day journey, starting on July 13, Tom and Lucas will stop at every school currently partnered with the organisation, meeting staff and celebrating the relationships built over the last decade and a half.
Organiser Lucas said: “This is without doubt the biggest physical challenge Tom and I have ever taken on.
“Covering 500 kilometres in five days and visiting all 41 of our partner schools is going to push us both mentally and physically, but we know every mile will be worth it.
“We are also visiting the different bases of the firm so SportsZone in Sandbach, our main offices in Middlewich and our education hub in Biddulph, Staffordshire.
”We’re incredibly proud to be taking on this challenge as Sports Coaching Group celebrates its 15th anniversary.”
Tom added: “Over the years we’ve seen first-hand the positive impact the organisation has had on thousands of children and families, and this is our way of giving something back.
“The fact we’re raising money for EMPHASIS Community Interest Company to help provide free holiday club places, while also supporting MIND in memory of James, who was one of my first coaches, makes it even more meaningful.
“There will undoubtedly be some tough moments along the way, but knowing we’re supporting two fantastic causes and representing everyone connected to Sports Coaching Group will keep us motivated.”
If you would like to donate to the causes, a gofundme page has been set-up.
Here is the link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/raise-money-for-mind-and-emphasis-cic