HELP Harry Help Others is set to benefit from an overseas fundraising effort by a Coventry company.
A group of keen cyclists at Global Expert Specialists (GES) biked 350 miles from Amsterdam, across Europe, and back to the UK in just four days to raise funds for the charity created by inspirational Sheldon youngster Harry Moseley, who died in 2011 at the age of just 11 after a four-year battle with a brain tumour.
During his brave battle Harry began selling bracelets to raise money for Cancer Research UK – raising over £750,000 through bracelet sales and gaining the backing of many high-profile celebrities.
The #GESOfficeRace took place over the recent Bank Holiday weekend – starting in Amsterdam at GES’ Europe office and finishing at GES’ EMEA headquarters in Coventry.
Phil Burrows, floorplanning supervisor at GES EMEA, has been the driving force behind the #GESOfficeRace, and said it was a huge challenge for the team.
He added: “I wanted to step up the fundraising and combine my love for cycling.
“I pitched the idea to GES that I wanted to get members from our offices to take part in a bike ride combining our offices from around Europe and the UK, and they loved it.”
Alongside Phil was Lee McDonnell, Gwyneth Humphreys, Jason Cann, Phil Baker, Mark Thompson, Ella Baker and Paul Baker.
During the cycle, the team of nine made pit stops at offices in Haarlem, ExCeL London, Elstree and Watford.
The bike ride received a tremendous amount of support from the wider event industry, with several of GES’ clients and peers, including Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre, offering donations and sponsorship.
Phil also spoke about how the team prepared for the ride by swapping their car for their bike – cycling around 40 miles every day to and from work, in addition to group trips at the weekend.
He added: “You can be as physically prepared for an event like this, but mentally you just have to take it as it comes day after day.”
Georgie Moseley, Harry Moseley’s proud mum, said: “GES initiatives like the Office Race are vitally important to the existence and continuation of the services we provide at HHHO.
“We don’t receive any government funding and without our amazing fundraisers we really could not offer what we do.
“I am in total awe of Phil and the GES team.”
Following the race, Phil said: “Apart from being in agony back at work, the feeling of self-accomplishment and knowing how much we have all raised for such an amazing cause really does make you proud and makes you want to just do more.”
To make a donation to the #GESOfficeRace visit https://www.justgiving.com/companyteams/GESAmsterdamtoCoventry
