Popular cycling event the Humber Bridge Sportive has been taken over by the charity P.A.U.L For Brain Recovery, which says it is looking forward to upholding its reputation for fundraising.
The Humber Bridge Sportive was established in 2014 by local cycling enthusiasts Ian Nicholls and Andy Cawley. This year’s event saw more than 400 riders participate and raise more than £15,000 for eight local charities.
Ian said: “Andy and I wanted to create a fun, family cycling event, with the Humber Bridge as the focal point for the ride, to raise funds for various local charities and promote cycling among young people. We are incredibly proud that the Humber Bridge Sportive has raised over £125,000 for more than 25 local charities, with over 2,000 riders taking part to date.”
Paul Spence, CEO and founder of P.A.U.L For Brain Recovery, said: “The Humber Bridge Sportive is an amazing event, and without Ian and Andy, along with all the helpers, volunteers, cyclists, and sponsors, it wouldn’t be the success it is today.
“Having had the pleasure of working closely with Ian and Andy for the past three years, I understand the significant levels of planning, logistics, and hard work that go into organising an event of this scale.”
Ian added: “After 11 years of organising this wonderful event with the fantastic support of our loyal band of helpers, volunteers, and sponsors, Andy and I have decided to hand over the Humber Bridge Sportive to Paul Spence and his team at P.A.U.L For Brain Recovery, which has been our charity partner for the past three years.”
Paul, who has built a successful career by encouraging others to value their health, said he was honoured to be able to continue the much-loved event.
He added: “We are proud to adopt the Humber Bridge Sportive. This amazing event has changed the lives of so many in our local community. Although Ian and Andy are handing over the reins, they have chosen to remain involved in an advisory capacity to help us continue their outstanding work. To honour Ian and Andy’s legacy, the Humber Bridge Sportive will continue to support other local charities alongside ours.”
The Humber Bridge Sportive will continue in its familiar format next year under the same name, with the same picturesque cycling routes and feed stations.
The P.A.U.L for Brain Recovery team will work closely with Ian and Andy over the coming months to uphold the reputation the event has established.
Humber Bridge Sportive and P.A.U.L For Brain Recovery said they were “delighted” that both Hesslewood Hall and the Humber Bridge Board were supportive of the event moving forward.
