Islanders cycle a ‘ton’ for Autism Guernsey
SIX men cycled 100 miles around Guernsey on Saturday to raise money for Autism Guernsey.
It was organised by managing director of Christies Group, Christophe Gaultier, who said the charity was one very close to his heart.
Christies Group adopted Autism Guernsey as its chosen charity and donates between 10p and 20p from each bill in the restaurants to the cause.
When fundraising manager Mandy Morris asked if Mr Gaultier and two other keen fundraisers would like a space on the Prudential Ride London-Surrey 100, they jumped at the opportunity.
Before then, Mr Gaultier had never done much cycling and said he would have struggled to ride 10 miles, let alone 100.
However, the group got training, and when Covid-19 cancelled the UK event, they decided to get a few more on board to complete the challenge in Guernsey.
‘We created a club on Strava [exercise tracking site] and would train hard to get ready for the challenge,’ he said.
‘We had an aim of raising £500 and in just four days we’ve managed to reach £3,700, which is absolutely fantastic.’
The ride itself saw the team of six climb 5,300ft, the equivalent of cycling up Le Val des Terres 22 times.
Mr Gaultier said it felt amazing to have the support of their friends, families and islanders cheering them on and honking their horns.
After setting off at around 5am, it took them just under six-and-a-half hours.
‘All our children and families were there on the home straight to welcome us over the finish line, I’m still buzzing now – it hadn’t really sunk in what we had achieved on Saturday, but it was a fantastic thing to be a part of,’ he said.
He thanked Praxis IFM for their sponsorship and support.
