News

Press Release - 4 October 2007

Charity Cycle Ride from Canterbury to Rome for BEN

Paul Barrett, Managing Director of Barretts of Canterbury Ltd, the Kent based car dealer group, was amongst 27 cyclists who recently pedalled more than 1,200 miles from Canterbury to Rome in aid of Charity.  The fundraisers together raised more than £100,000 which will be shared with the Save the Canterbury Cathedral Appeal and personal charities chosen by each cyclist, including BEN, the Automotive Industry Charity.   Paul Barrett has chosen BEN, a cause he has supported both personally and professionally for a number of years.

The ride was a journey of 2000Km and included a passage over the Grand St Bernard Pass, in the Western Alps, where it is not uncommon to have snow even in the middle of August.

On returning from this 17 day expedition, Paul Barrett commented, “The idea started nearly a year ago with some friends over a drink.   The biggest challenge for us was the high temperature reached in Italy of over 40 degrees.   On most days we covered an 80 mile route with only one day of rest at the halfway point.  

Each cyclist put in at least 100 hours of training covering 1000 miles in preparation which is equivalent to the team cycling at least once around the world.”

This cycle ride followed the Via Francigena (the Frankish Way), which is an ancient pilgrimage route recorded by Sigeric in 990AD when he travelled to and from Rome on his appointment as Archbishop of Canterbury.

Click here to learn more interesting facts about the cycle ride.

Further information:

Lorna Russell, Media Relations Officer, BEN

T: 01344 294765 M: 07920 138187 Fax 01344 622042

lorna.russell@ben.org.uk

Editors’ Notes

BEN is the Automotive Industry Charity, the only occupational charity for those who work or have worked in the automotive and related industries. Founded in 1905, the Charity provides practical help, support, advice and friendship to more than 15,000 men and women and their families every year. In addition BEN provides a home to over 350 individuals who reside in one of its four residential centres in the UK and offers day care facilities at its centre in Coventry.

Website: www.ben.org.uk

Barretts of Canterbury Ltd, established in 1902 is a fourth generation family owned motor dealer group based in East Kent. The Company has 11 Dealerships including BMW, MINI, Jaguar, Land Rover, Honda, Citroen and SEAT and employs 400 people.

Website: www.barrettskent.co.uk