Some of the most senior names from the convenience sector, including SLR Publisher Antony Begley, are joining forces once again this February in a daring 440km charity cycle challenge across the island of Sri Lanka in aid of anti-landmine charity MAG.
Sri Lanka’s three decade long civil war ended in 2009 but innocent civilians continue to die and be horribly maimed every day because of landmines left over from the conflict.
Begley slips on the lycra alongside a 25-strong group including My Local Directors Neil Turton and Raj Krishan, Spar MD Debbie Robinson, Bruce Alexander from LRS and him! International’s Tom Fender, amongst others.
The eight day test from 6th-14th February will see the 25-strong team ride 440 km coast to coast across Sri Lanka to support the lifesaving work of MAG (Mines Advisory Group).
Past recipients of the Nobel Peace Prize for their efforts to ban landmines, the UK-based charity works in Sri Lanka and across the world to clear war zones of landmines and weapons, saving lives and helping men, women and children rebuild their lives and livelihoods after conflict. Last year, the team raised an incredible £136,440 for Vietnam Cambodia, smashing through all previous MAG records.
Following the huge success of the Vietnam-Cambodia cycle, Neil Turton, Trading Director at My Local and MAG trustee said: “I am so proud that our team smashed through our original target for Vietnam-Cambodia and raised £136,440 in the end. This meant we helped save and improve even more people’s lives than we initially planned. We wanted to make a difference again in 2016 so, although it has come around really quickly, I’m looking forward to cycling across Sri Lanka and to the laughs, camaraderie and team spirit along the way.”
SLR’s Antony Begley is looking forward to the event, which aims to raise at least £125,000: “Last year’s ride was an amazing experience and by raising over £136k we did our bit so help transform the lives of many families in Vietnam and Cambodia. It’s simply not right that nine innocent men, women and children are still dying and being maimed in countries like this every year from landmines and ordnance left over from conflicts decades ago.”
Ingrid Turner, MAG’s Partnerships Officer, is confident the team will smash through their fundraising target, having seen them in action in last year.
“Their dedication, enthusiasm and amazing team morale was incredible to witness in Vietnam and Cambodia and I can’t wait to work with such a fantastic, committed group again,” she said. “I am asking the convenience sector to please support our intrepid team and help make lands and lives safe again all over the world!”
To sponsor team members on JustGiving please go to Begley’s page at https://www.justgiving.com/AntonyBegley2016/ or the wider team page at: http://www.justgiving.com/teams/CRSL.
For more information about MAG, please visit: www.maginternational.org.
