Baker Tilly saddles up for charity bike ride

Staff from accountancy firm Baker Tilly’s new office in Preston played their part in a gruelling charity bike ride from London to Leeds timed to arrive just before the start of the Tour de France.

Staff from the office cycled a 71 mile leg from Liverpool to Preston as part of the nationwide ‘Tour de Baker Tilly’ - a 660 mile ride involving 300 riders stopping at 23 of the firm’s UK offices. The event aims to raise more than £10,000 for Anthony Nolan and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

The Tour started on Monday the 23rd June from London, stopping en route at Baker Tilly’s offices in the South, before the start of a separate Scottish leg which will run from Glasgow to Edinburgh.

The third and final leg started this week from Birmingham, finally arriving at the firm’s Leeds office today – just a day before le Grand Départ - the start of the Tour de France tomorrow.

The event is being supported by Njinga Cycling who are on hand to provide mechanics and on-road support to riders.

Jill Jones, Baker Tilly’s North West regional managing partner, who also took part in the event said: "It was a tough 71 mile stint for everyone that took part, especially on what was one of the hottest days of the year so far. But the camaraderie was great, and cycling through the centre of Manchester with people cheering us on and waving gave us a real boost.

"I’d like to thank the staff from all Baker Tilly’s offices across the North-West region, as well as the local businesses that took part in order to raise money for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and Anthony Nolan. These two charities do so much important work, and we’re delighted to be supporting them through this event."

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award helps young people aged between 14 and 24 build confidence and develop self-esteem by progressing through three levels to achieve a Bronze, Silver or Gold Award. These awards require persistence and commitment have a lasting impact on the attitudes and outlook of the young people that take part.

Anthony Nolan is a charity that saves the lives of people with blood cancer and blood disorders. It helps match individuals willing to donate their blood stem cells or bone marrow to people with blood cancer and blood disorders who desperately need lifesaving transplants. Those wishing to sponsor the riders can visit the fundraising page at http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/TDBT14.