Sports Coaching Group is celebrating after two members of its team successfully completed an inspiring 300-mile (500kms) charity cycle ride, raising more than £4,000 to support local children and a mental health charity.
As part of the organisation’s 15th anniversary celebrations, Tom Kesteven and Lucas Turner spent five days cycling to 41 partner schools across Cheshire, Staffordshire and Shropshire, where they were welcomed by pupils, teachers and school staff who have supported Sports Coaching Group throughout its journey since 2011.
The challenge showcased not only the dedication of the two cyclists, lucas Turner and Jack Kesteven, but also the strong relationships Sports Coaching Group has built with schools and communities over the past 15 years through its delivery of PE, school sport, wraparound childcare, swimming, holiday clubs and educational programmes.
The pair originally hoped to raise £4,000, but thanks to the generosity of supporters, schools, families and local businesses, that target has now been surpassed.
Funds raised will benefit EMPHASIS Community Interest Company, helping to provide free holiday club places for children who may otherwise miss out on active, safe and enriching experiences during the school holidays.
Sports Coaching Group coaches Lucas Turner and Tom Kesteven have completed a 300-mile charity bike ride for MIND and EMPHASIS Community Interest Company.
The fund-raising effort is also supporting Mind in memory of the firm’s former Operations Manager James Ellwood, whose passion, leadership and commitment helped shape Sports Coaching Group during its early years.
Although a decade has passed since James’s death, his legacy continues to inspire colleagues every day, making the charity challenge a fitting tribute to someone who played such an important role in the organisation’s development.
The cycle ride formed the centrepiece of Sports Coaching Group’s 15th anniversary celebrations, which also included a charity golf day and an evening bringing together employees, schools, partners and supporters to reflect on the organisation’s achievements and look ahead to the future.
Since launching in 2011, Sports Coaching Group has grown from a small coaching business into one of the region’s leading providers of school sport, physical education, childcare, swimming and educational services, supporting thousands of children and hundreds of schools across Cheshire, Staffordshire, Shropshire and beyond.
Sports Coaching Group colleagues have thanked every school that welcomed Tom and Lucas during their journey, every person who donated and everyone who cheered them on along the way.
The incredible support received throughout the five-day challenge has helped raise vital funds that will make a lasting difference to local children and families while supporting the important work carried out by Mind.
Although the challenge is complete, donations remain open for anyone wishing to contribute and help increase the final fundraising total.
The success of the charity cycle ride perfectly reflects the values that have driven Sports Coaching Group for the past 15 years, supporting communities, inspiring young people and creating opportunities that change lives through sport, education and childcare.