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Philip’s pedal power gets a ‘saintly’ boost

A FATHER and son’s ‘Route 66’ charity 2,500 mile cycle ride from Chicago to Los Angeles has received an extra boost from another North East charity.

The St. James’s Place Foundation, which distributes funds raised by staff from Newcastle wealth management firm St. James’s Place, has donated £1000 to Calvert Trust Kielder after hearing about Philip’s epic 25 day challenge.

Now 60 year old Philip Pugh from Newcastle and his son Alex will set off in June knowing that they’ve already raised more than £3,000 for Calvert Trust Kielder.

Mark Beverley, partner at St. James’s Place, said: “I know Philip personally and see the effort that goes into his challenges. One of the foundation’s aims is to help make a significant difference to the lives of children and young people - Calvert Trust Kielder does exactly that so we felt it was a great cause to support.

“This is another huge challenge for Phil and we wish him every success and good luck along the way.”

To boost the fundraising, and training, even further, Philip and his team organised an ‘Ultimate Fitness Team Challenge’ at Newcastle’s Pure Gym. Team challenges included tug of war, circuit races and beep tests with the ‘Pretty Tough’ team taking top spot as overall winners and another £500 raised for Calvert Trust Kielder.

Philip said: “We know what a fantastic job Calvert Trust Kielder does for many disabled people and their families. We just want to make sure that as many people as possible continue to benefit from the great outdoor adventures and activities the centre provides.”

Calvert Trust Kielder’s Hazel Ditchburn said: “Philip has done really well - training, fundraising and working all at the same time, he’s an absolute champion already in our eyes. We can’t wait to see how he gets on and have every confidence that he’ll complete his challenge successfully.”

June’s Route 66 challenge is not Phil’s first, or last, charity feat. Not content with ‘normal’ birthday celebrations, Philip decided to start an annual birthday challenge - he swam the English Channel for his 60th birthday last year and plans to row the Gibraltar Straits next year for charity.

All proceeds raised from Philip’s Route 66 challenge will be used to help disabled people and their families to experience life changing outdoor adventure at Calvert Trust Kielder, located in the stunning Kielder Water & Forest Park, Northumberland.

To sponsor Philip and support Calvert Trust Kielder go to www.justgiving.com/philip-pugh2

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Richard Crulley .