Blakedale Welfare Vehicle supports team cycling to Africa

Chorley-based supplier of Traffic Management and Support Vehicles, Blakedale Limited, has loaned one of its Mobile Welfare Units to support fundraisers cycling from London to Fez in aid of Great Ormond Street and Evelina London Children’s Hospitals.

Four cyclists – James Leahy, Joey Healy, Jamie Pownceby and Bradley Smith – embarked on the adventure of their lives. Blakedale's trusty Welfare Vehicle is providing some welcome home comforts, cooking and sanitation facilities for the team as they cycle across Europe and cross continents into Africa.

With the names “George & Amelia” and the words “Helping Save Lives. Big Hearts, Little Children” emblazoned on their cycling shirts, it is clear that this incredible cycle ride has a very special purpose that is indeed close to the hearts of the families of the four men taking part.

George and Amelia were both born with serious heart defects and are currently undergoing treatment. Their fathers are among the four cyclists. George and Amelia’s experiences inspired the friends to raise funds for Great Ormond Street and Evelina London Children’s Hospitals so that more children may benefit from their lifesaving research and care.

Kerry Gilligian, PA to the Blakedale Directors, has been closely involved in liaising with the intrepid cyclists to ensure the Welfare Vehicle is as ready for this epic journey as they are!

When they’re not on tour, Blakedale’s Mobile Welfare Units support highway maintenance, utilities, rail and construction workforce crews on site. All are fitted with at least 7 seats, cassette type toilet facilities, heating, microwaves, quick boil kettles and hot and cold wash facilities, as well as tow bars, reverse cameras, rear beacons, run lock mechanisms and full Chapter 8 decals and chevrons.

“We’re all very excited that one of our Welfare Vehicles will be supporting the team as they cycle to raise money for a great cause. We’ll be sharing photos and updates of their progress both on our website and via social media over the coming weeks,” says Carmen Bowley, Joint Managing Director of Blakedale.

Three of the cyclists are pictured collecting the Welfare Vehicle from Blakedale two days before beginning their Challenge Africa journey. In addition to Welfare Vehicles, Blakedale also hires out a full range of Traffic Management, Highway Maintenance and Support Vehicles, including state-of-the-art Crash Cushion (Impact Protection) Vehicles. Since purchasing its first hire vehicle in 2002, Blakedale’s self drive fleet has grown to over 250 vehicles, which operate nationwide. The family-run team of 15 office and engineering staff operate from their Mill Lane head office in Chorley.