Staff from First Milk’s Lake District Creamery in Aspatria have cycled more than 5,800km during a fundraising challenge in aid of Prostate Cancer UK.
The Bike the Hedgerows challenge saw teams across First Milk sites keep static bikes moving continuously for 24 hours from noon on March 5 to noon on March 6, with remote riders also contributing miles during the weekend.
The aim was to cycle the equivalent distance of the hedgerows found on dairy cooperative First Milk’s member farms which measure 5,564 kilometres but smashedf the target by more than 300km.
The challenge has raised over £2,000, helping take First Milk’s total fundraising for Prostate Cancer UK to over £16,000, with donations still continuing to come in.
“Prostate cancer touches many families within farming and rural communities, so supporting the charity is something that means a great deal to people across First Milk,” First Milk’s chief impact officer Mark Brooking said.
“Colleagues, members and community partners all played a role in helping us exceed the challenge and raise funds for Prostate Cancer UK.”
At the Lake District Creamery, colleagues were supported by local businesses to help keep the wheels turning including Cumbria Waste and Paul Newton.
Bike the Hedgerows forms part of First Milk’s two-year partnership with Prostate Cancer UK, chosen by colleagues and members because many within the farming community have been affected by the disease. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, with risk increasing for those over 50 or with a family history.
