Goadsby duo cycle to Paris in 24 hours for Dorset cancer patients

Goadsby directors Gavin Harris 37, and David Hardwick, 40 are getting ready to ‘seal the deal’ on a 250-mile cycle ride to Paris.

Two divisional directors from Goadsby estate agents are preparing to cycle from Southampton to Paris in under 24 hours for Dorset Cancer Care Foundation (DCCF).

Keen triathletes Gavin Harris, 37, and David Hardwick, 38, are used to setting themselves challenges. But this will be the first time they have undertaken such a gruelling cycle ride.

Gavin explained: “We will be setting off from our Southampton office on September 26 and sailing from Newhaven to Dieppe before cycling the same route used by the famous London to Paris cycle ride, all the way to the Eiffel Tower.

“In total it is around 250 miles but a large portion will be along the River Seine, so we are hoping the beauty of our surroundings will make it a little easier!”

This is Goadsby’s 60th year in business and to celebrate its special anniversary the company has chosen three charities to benefit from its fundraising.

“We chose Dorset Cancer Care Foundation as the sole beneficiary of the ride because it does incredible work locally in offering financial support to people going through cancer,” said David.

“We had aimed to raise around £2000 in the cycle event, but thanks to our many sponsors including SB Electrical Dorset and Lester Aldridge solicitors, we are already up above the £3000 mark,” added Gavin.

He continued: “I lost my grandfather to cancer and I know David has also lost loved ones to it, so knowing we are doing this to help local families going through cancer will give us a real push when the going gets tough.”

Dorset Cancer Care Foundation was set up in 2012. Every penny raised by the charity stays in Dorset and helps fund individual grants for anything from patients’ travel to and from hospital, to short breaks and household bills.

Eve Went, a founder of DCCF, said: “Goadsby is a huge supporter of DCCF and we are so grateful for their sterling efforts. They are a fabulous bunch of people who are really committed to helping local people going through the trials of cancer and we are full of admiration for Gavin and David for undertaking this massive challenge on our behalf.”

Donations for the cycle ride can be made at: https://www.justgiving.com/goadsby24hrCharityRideToParis