Inspired by the likes of Bradley Wiggins, Sir Chris Hoy and Mark Cavendish, two well-known characters from the Midlands’ legal fraternity are climbing into the saddle for a fundraising challenge.
Tony McDaid, Practice Director at No5 Chambers and Martin Hulbert, Senior Personal Injury Practice Manager, are set to cycle from Kent to Amsterdam to raise funds for the Spinal Injuries Association (SIA).
The pair – dubbed Little & Large – have already pedalled their way through some gruelling training sessions in order to be fit for the four day, 282km bike ride that will take them from Tunbridge Wells to the canals of Amsterdam in May.
Martin said: “The idea came about when we attended the SIA Awards and watched a film featuring people with spinal injuries riding from London to Paris in recumbent cycles.
“We felt that the determination and commitment of the cyclists was admirable and so volunteered ourselves to take part in the London to Amsterdam trek.”
No5’s Personal Injury Group has sponsored the entrance fees and travel costs and Martin’s specialised Elite Sirrus bicycle has been sponsored by Outspire.
Tony said: “Here at No5 we have a respected track record of successful fundraising for worthy causes and sometimes the challenge is to come up with a fresh activity to peddle around our regular sponsors and maintain engagement.
“Over the years we have organised baking, boxing and cricket fundraisers in addition to taking part in quizzes so this cycling challenge is new to us. Nonetheless, Martin and I are determined to keep the wheels turning with a view to raising in the order of five figures.
“The good news is that Holland is flat and so we won’t have to compete to be ‘king of the mountains’.”
Tony and Martin have set up a justgiving page at https://www.justgiving.com/littleandlarge2015 and thank colleagues at No5 Chambers and Outspire for their sponsorship so far.
Tony added: “We should also thank all those people we know from the business and sporting communities who have offered helpful advice relating to nutrition, clothing and training.”
No5 Chambers, with bases in Birmingham, London, Bristol and East Midlands is one of the largest sets of chambers in the UK. Visit the website at www.no5.com or telephone 0845 210 5555.