Chadderton cyclist Nick puts his best pedal forward in Blackpool charity ride

Chadderton-based Nick Painter was among 10 Stagecoach Manchester employees who cycled a collective 540 miles from Blackpool to Manchester to help raise money for local community charity, Forever Manchester.

The cycle took place on Saturday, August 7, with the group raising over £1,000 in vital funds for the charity.

Starting at Blackpool Tower, the bus operator employees cycled through Lytham St Annes before moving on to Preston, Curden Park, Chorley, Adlington and finishing up in Manchester at the Stagecoach Hyde Road depot.

Nick, a 59-year-old Assistant Operations Manager, who has been involved in numerous charity bike rides with Stagecoach Manchester over the years, said: “The annual bike ride is something that we all really look forward to.

"It’s a chance for us to give back to our local community and, especially after the past year, it’s a great excuse to get out and about with friends after being stuck at home for so long.”

Forever Manchester is an official charity partner of Stagecoach and the team in Manchester has raised over £8,500 for the charity since their partnership began.

Jean Mills, Head of Philanthropy Development at Forever Manchester, said: “This was a fantastic effort from the team at Stagecoach Manchester.

"They demonstrated great attitude in completing the Blackpool to Manchester bike ride.

"Forever Manchester is grateful for their efforts and every penny fundraised will support grassroot community groups across Greater Manchester. 

“We’re delighted Stagecoach Manchester recognise the value of community activity and that their efforts help to support projects close to where their depots and routes operate.”

Lee Wasnidge, Managing Director of Stagecoach Manchester, added: ‘We are delighted to be able to continue supporting our charity partner this year, especially throughout various lockdowns which have brought additional challenges.

"The team have done a great job at raising vital funds which will all go directly back into the community to support grassroot projects across the Greater Manchester region.”

The team at Stagecoach Manchester complete a charity bike ride annually to raise money for its various charity partners.

Previous destinations have included: Manchester to Liverpool, Caledonian Way (Scotland Fort William to Inverness) and Newcastle to Berwick costal path via Holy Island.

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