Toyota Muscles Brussels-Bound In Charity Cycle Marathon
Toyota Oaks, a group of Toyota GB employees, pedalled off today on the first leg of a fund-raising cycle ride, in aid of The Lily Foundation. The 19-strong team left the company’s head office in Epsom, Surrey, heading for Toyota Motor Europe’s headquarters in Brussels.
On day one they will reach Dover, then ride from Calais to Ypres on the second day. From Ypres they will head for the centre of Brussels and finally ride to Toyota Motor Europe’s offices the following morning. Across the four days they will cycle more than 230 miles, with five colleagues manning a support vehicle.
The Lily Foundation is committed to finding a cure for mitochondrial disease, a complex cell disorder which affects the major organs. Its mission is to fund research to improve diagnosis and treatment, raise awareness of the condition so it is more easily recognised, and support families with sick children.
John Ryan, Toyota Senior Analyst Programmer said: “A number of us are naturally – fit the young ones – some us have been training for a couple of months and the rest are in for a rude awakening, but we all want to get to the finishing line to help raise as much money as we can for the Lily Foundation.”
It’s not the first time Toyota staff have donned their lycra for charity. Last year a team of Toyota cyclists took part in the Moonride London to Brighton overnight charity ride, which inspired them to tackle an even longer route this year.
Anyone who would like to support Toyota’s cycling fund-raiser can visit their Just Giving page at justgiving.com/toyotaoaks2013
ENDS