Dozens of property professionals set off on a four-day charity bike ride this morning (Thursday 2 May).
They were sent on their way by the mayor of Brighton and Hove, Councillor Dee Simson, at the start of the Seven Port Challenge Charity Cycle Ride.
The event is the biggest single fundraiser for the mayor’s charities which this year include the Martlets Hospice, Rockinghorse, the Grace Eyre Foundation and Off The Fence.
The ride started from the Brighton i360 at 7am, with architects, planning consultants and other property experts heading towards the first two ports – Shoreham and Portsmouth.
From there they are due to catch a ferry to Caen before cycling from Ouistreham – Caen’s port – to Honfleur, Fecamp and Dieppe.
They are scheduled to catch a ferry back to Newhaven – the seventh port – on Sunday (5 May) before ending their 180-mile ride back in Brighton.
The ride and the cyclists’ return has become an annual part of the Brighton Fringe, with family and friends – and the mayor – among those welcoming them back to New Road.
Each of the cyclists is expected to raise at least £750 and to pay their own ferry, food and accommodation costs.
Sponsors such as the Woodhart Group, a family-run construction business, also help with costs or contribute to the fundraising total.
Last year the cyclists made it to Brussels and Bruges in Belgium as well as Lille in France on their fundraising route.
The ride has been organised by the Brighton and Hove Property Consortium. Founder Collin Brace said: “The consortium is a group of local property professionals with the common goal of taking part in the annual cycling event to raise funds for these very important charities.
“Each cyclist has committed to raising a minimum of £750 to take part in this event so that we reach our fundraising goal of £50,000.
“We would really appreciate your help in assisting them to reach their target and hence our overall goal.
“Our previous years’ events have now raised a combined total in excess of £150,000 which has made a huge difference to the charities involved.”
