Auto Trader colleagues and customers to set out on charity bike challenge

8:30 am, March 31, 2017

ON May 16 a team of 12 riders made up of Auto Trader colleagues and customers will set off on a gruelling cycling challenge of around 240 miles in hope of raising £20,000 for charity.

The money raised will be used to pay for a life changing operation for Kallie, a seven-year-old girl born with congenital heart disease and cerebral palsy. The challenge has been organised in conjunction with the Tree of Hope Children’s Charity, which helps raise vital funds for critically ill children and their families.

The Ride for Kallie challenge will see the team pedal their way from Auto Trader’s office in London’s King’s Cross, to its HQ in central Manchester. Over the course of three days, the team will not only have to negotiate the busy streets of the Capital, but also climb the winding hills of the Peak District.

Commenting on the forthcoming challenge, Kevin Harding, digital partnership director at Auto Trader, said: ‘We take our social commitments very seriously, and support a variety of charities across the UK. The Tree of Hope is truly an extraordinary organisation that works tirelessly to provide support when it’s needed most and we’re humbled to support them in their efforts.

‘What stood out with Kallie is that we have an opportunity to make a genuine difference to her life, helping her be as active as her friends, brothers and sisters. Her dream is to one day swim in the Paralympics, so if we can help bring her closer to that dream then a few hundred miles on a bike is the very least we can do.’

Jonathan Allbones, director at The Car People, added: ‘We are really excited to be asked to be involved with Auto Trader on this ride. It’s such a wonderful cause and to think of members of the motor trade coming together to help Kallie get her life saving operation will spur us all on to the finish line in Manchester. It won’t be easy, but it’ll be worth the effort. The next couple of months are all about getting some training in and working hard to gather as many donations as we can.’