Pedalo crew arrive in London after Olympic journey

Added: (Mon Sep 21 2009)

Pressbox (Press Release) - Two men who aimed to use pedal power to spread the Olympic message and raise money for a host of charities have completed an epic journey in spectacular fashion.
Daring duo Darren Jones and Andy Millar, both Round Table members from Coventry, are finishing a gruelling 212-mile journey along canals and the River Thames in a pedalo from Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, to the home of the 2012 Olympic Park, Stratford, London.
However, the journey was not without problems - the crew were twice left without a support boat due to technical problems - but the pair knew their persistence had paid off when they arrived at the Houses of Parliament for a reception.
Darren, who is also the president of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “On many occasions parliament has seen things that go against the tide but never a pedalo. But we got here in the end despite the adversity.

“The whole thing has been like the log flume at Alton Towers its been up and down, It's made us laugh its made us cry, it's made us wet and we won't be doing it again in a hurry.

“We have achieved the mileage goal and now its up to people to help us achieve the charitable goal by going to our website and donating!"

The two-seater craft had a top speed of just three mph but the journey took the pair just 13 days to complete.
The pedalo team, who had been training for the journey since November 2008, were raising money for sports charity SportsAid and local Round Table-supported charities.
Tom Clift, partnership manager for the Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership for the 2012 Games, said: “We congratulate Darren and Andy for their mammoth effort and achievement of completing this 212-mile journey on the most unusual of methods.
“It just goes to show how inspirational the Olympic Games and sport can be and with London 2012 now less than three years away, we hope many more individuals and organisations join in to be part of the greatest two sporting events in the world.”
Tim Lawler, Chief Executive for SportsAid said: “Andy and Darren have faced some real challenges on their journey and I’d like to congratulate them on what is a fantastic achievement.

“We’re delighted they chose SportsAid as a beneficiary of their fundraising, there’s a fantastic synergy between their hard work, dedication and commitment to the Olympic ideals and the talented athletes they have helped to support.”

The journey has so far raised almost £2,000 but people can still donate and find out more about the journey by visiting www.stratfordtostratford.co.uk and clicking on the Sponsor Us link.
ENDS
For media enquiries please contact Simon Gilbert at Advent Communications on 024 7663 3636.


Media enquiries:
Simon Gilbert
Advent Communications
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Sandy Lane
Coventry CV1 4JA
Tel: 024 7663 3636
http://www.advent-communications.co.uk