With the Tour De France just around the corner, one family are taking on their own charity sporting challenge cycling 370 miles over 5 days – The Loo Tour de Britain!
Grant Speed set up the Loo Tour de Britain to help his sister Lois, niece Kelsey and nephew Klein in their constant battle to access a suitable changing facility when they are out and about for the day.
Inspired by the work of Scottish based charity PAMIS and the Changing Places campaign who Astor-Bannerman are the co-sponsors of, Grant wants to raise money to build a Changing Places Toilet in Arbroath – their hometown.
Lois believes that a Changing Places Toilet in Arbroath would not only benefit her son and daughter but many other individuals, families and carers who face similar difficulties and who would also benefit from this type of toilet facility. This is a basic need that should be met to help ensure that people can get out and about more easily without having to plan trips around distance of a local sports centre where toilet/changing areas are not always suitable or available.
Kirsty Thomson who is a Fundraiser at PAMIS told Astor-Bannerman,
“We are absolutely delighted that Lois and Grant have decided to raise funds for a Changing Place in Arbroath. It is an amazing challenge and we hope they raise lots of money on the Loo Tour de Britain. We also hope this will raise awareness of the need for these facilities across the country.”
Wendy Payne, Marketing Manager for Astor-Bannerman and Aveso also had this to say,
“All of us here at Astor-Bannerman and Aveso are extremely pleased to be sponsoring the Loo Tour De Britain as well as the whole Changing Places Campaign. We’ll be cheering all the cyclists on and supporting the family as they raise awareness of much needed Changing Places and money a facility in Arbroath.”
Grant and Lois hope that as many people as possible get on board to raise awareness of these difficulties and help the family raise money through this cycle from Leeds to Arbroath 370 miles over 5 days!
Why Leeds? Well Grant is a long-time armchair fan of Le Tour De France, which in case you didn’t know, starts in Leeds this year. So following a weekend as a Tour Maker in Yorkshire, Grant decided the only way home was by bike!!
Think you can do all or part of the route with Grant?
Even if you can only commit to one day – the support will be greatly welcomed. Don’t worry about not being an ‘expert’ cyclist – the pace is easy and the tea stops frequent.
How about taking the Friday off for a long weekend and doing Forth to Tay bridges or riding through the borders into Edinburgh?
Impress your friends, help raise awareness and some funds all at the same time!
Race details:
Monday 7th July 2014 until Thursday 10th July 2014
Phase 1 – Leeds to Edinburgh ( 3 days of 80 miles plus 50 miles on fourth into Edinburgh )
Friday 11th July 2014
Phase 2 – Bridge to Bridge – Forth to Tay – 70 miles
Saturday 12th July 2014
Phase 3 – Family Day Ride – Dundee to Arbroath Harbour – 10 miles along off road cycle path all the way.
Phase 3 – Family Mile – bike, stroll, push from Kerr’s Miniature Railway to Harbour.
For more information about Phase 1 and 2 email Grant_Speed@jurysinns.com or lois.speed@sky.com
If you would like to take part in the Family Day Ride and Family Mile email k.s.thomson@dundee.ac.uk
If you would like to sponsor Grant and show your support visit their fundraising page here
