Newport-based van leasing and sales business Vansdirect raised over £400,000 for St David’s Hospice Care at the Dalmatian Bike Ride, which saw 300 riders take on the challenge in and around Newport and Brecon.
The business sponsored a rider jersey and a feed station at the event, which started and finished at Caerleon Rugby Club. It also supplied a van, stationed on the route, to support cyclists and volunteers, providing supplies and practical assistance.
Vansdirect Sales Manager Joe Donnison also took part in the ride, he said: “Taking part in the ride gives you a real sense of why events like this matter. It’s tough at times, but knowing that every mile helps St David’s Hospice Care continue its work for local families makes it worthwhile.
“Having the Vansdirect team visible on the route was about backing that effort in a practical way. Riding past my colleagues and hearing them cheer me on really helped me to keep going too!
“Though we supply vans across the entire country, we are based in Newport, and work here every day, so supporting causes that matter locally is important to us. This event was about being part of our community.”
The Dalmatian Bike Ride is a flagship fundraising event for St David’s Hospice Care, with each of the five routes symbolising the charity’s work across Newport and the surrounding area.
Donnison completed the 72.5km Brecon Canal route – where riders are taken to Brecon by bus before cycling to back Caerleon.
Beth Harrington, community & event manager at St David’s Hospice Care, said: “The Dalmatian Bike Ride is one of our most important fundraising events and the support from local businesses makes a huge difference.
“Having Vansdirect involved, both on the route and through their own staff taking part, helped create a really positive atmosphere for riders and volunteers.
“Every pound raised goes directly towards supporting patients and families at some of the most difficult times in their lives, so we are incredibly grateful for the commitment shown.”
