London to Paris Cycle team triumphs for Hospitality Action

Some 21 of the industry’s top members have raised almost £40,000 for charity as part of Hospitality Action’s Cycle Challenge.

It is the second event of its kind with participants cycling from London to Paris to help raise funds for past and present hospitality workers who are in need of support.

Among the riders was chairman of Hospitality Action, William Baxter who said: “We cyclists were tested to the limit mentally and physically, but with an unflinching team spirit we carried on.

“The commitment and dedication of the team to complete this incredibly tough challenge and raise an outstanding amount of money for our industry charity is truly amazing and I was very proud to be a part of it.”

More sponsorship money is expected over the coming weeks to bump up the total raised for Hospitality Action, a charity which used over £400,000 to help more than 1,500 people in 2012.

Established in 1837, Hospitality Action use funds they raise to support people such as those suffering from life altering illness, poverty or domestic violence. In particular they focus on retired hospitality workers who may feel isolated or in need of help.

Other members who took part in this cycling event included Danny Pecorelli, managing director at Exclusive Hotels and Ashley Palmer-Watts, executive head chef of Dinner by Heston Blumenthal.

Ashley has recently finished another fundraising activity, leading a team of chefs who completed their ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro.