The Tour De Branch - our biggest ever challenge

Day One

At the start line in Aberdeen, our route one cyclists were raring to go. Although they were aware of the scale of the challenge ahead of them, they were excited to be working together as a team to raise money for Children with Cancer UK. We were joined by actress Chizzy Akudolu, who gave the team some words of motivation before their journey began. We were also joined by the Lord Provost of Aberdeen, Barney Crockett, who wished the team well on their way.  To the sound of bagpipes, the team began their 101 mile journey from Aberdeen to St Andrews where day 1 of the tour finished. Along the way, the team stopped off in five Kwik Fit centres where they were welcomed by centre staff and members of the local community. Spirits were high once the team reached Aberdeen and they were looking forward to a well-deserved rest before preparing for day 2 of the tour.

Day Two

The team were up bright and early ready for day 2 where they were cycling 96 miles from St Andrews to Uddingston. The team spent some time in our centre preparing their bikes for the long day ahead and giving each other words of support. We were also greeted by the Lord Provost, Jim Leishman who had the team excited for the day ahead. The team passed through three Kwik Fit centres on their journey as well as crossing the stunning Forth Road Bridge which route one cyclist Mitchell Wharton described as the highlight of the day! Along the way, the team were cheered on by centre teams, members of the local community and BTCC driver Rory Butcher even came down to our Dunfermline centre where he spent time with the team. He also had the honour of ringing our End of Treatment Bell. The bell gave the team motivation to keep going. The ringing of the bell is symbolic of our aim of raising £1 million for Children with Cancer UK to enable more children to ring the end of treatment bell. From Dunfermline, our brave cyclists headed from Dunfermline to Edinburgh where the heavens opened but this didn’t dampen the team’s spirits! We were greeted at the centre by the Lord Provost Frank Ross who provided some inspiration for the team to continue on to Livingston. The team ended the day in Uddingston where they enjoyed dinner and some relaxation time.

Day Three

On day 3, we began at our Tannochside office. It was great to see so many members of staff come out to cheer the team on as fatigue had begun to set in. The route for day 3 included visiting 2 Kwik Fit centres on the way to finishing up in Dumfries. This over 95 mile route was a particularly challenging one as the team were met by hills and difficult weather conditions. The Tour De Branch van even had to be put to use as wind breaker to protect the cyclists from the elements. One of the highlights today was the at the Giffnock centre where the team had made special Kwik Fit and Children with Cancer cupcakes to welcome the team in to the centre with.

Day Four

Day four saw the team cycle over 103 miles from Dumfries to our Newcastle Westgate Road centre passing through our Carlisle and Hexham Tyne Mills centres along the way. Although the team were weary from 4 days of cycling, morale was still high and the team showed great spirit helping each other out along the way.

Day Five