Charity cycle ride raises miles of smiles

They were raising money for the Smile for Georgie Foundation.

‘We had about 220 riders registered from the age of 10 up to people in their 70s,’ said Leon Howard, who helped to organise the Highvern Runway Ride.

‘We couldn’t have asked for better conditions.

‘They were absolutely fantastic and we were really pleased with how the event went.

‘I haven’t done the final numbers yet, but we think we will have pulled in about £4,000, so it’s quite a big fundraiser for us.’

The event was initially meant to take place in July but had to be postponed when the airport was hit by flight delays.

‘The logistics to reorganise it were quite tricky,’ said Mr Howard.

‘We had to get all the agencies lined up – including air search, airport management, civil protection, St John – and this weekend was the first available date. It worked well but perhaps more by luck than skill.’

Riders went out onto the runway together, initially on a slow safety lap to get used to the course.

They then had 90 minutes to do as many laps of the two-mile course as they wanted.

The Smile for Georgie Foundation was established in January 2018 with the purpose of making a difference in the local community through small acts of kindness.

‘The strapline of the charity is that small acts of kindness bring smiles to people’s faces.

‘That’s what it’s all about.

‘ It was great to see people enjoying themselves, especially young people,’ said Mr Howard.