More than 80 industry riders took part in Pedal the Borders, a fully supported three-day cycle challenge in the Scottish Borders, raising more than £210,000 for GroceryAid.
Held from 15-17 July, teams covered more than 200 miles of challenging terrain and climbed more than 11,000ft during the event. The funds raised will support GroceryAid’s financial, emotional and practical services for grocery industry colleagues and their families.
This year’s challenge welcomed its first all-female team, The Speed Divas, featuring GroceryAid’s Megan Harrison alongside Amanda Bessant of Tropicana, Heather Kennedy of Nestlé, Lynsey Beat of Thistle Seafoods, Martha Browne of The Bart Ingredient Company and Georgie Upton of Wild Card PR.
The event also marked the tenth Pedal the Borders ride for Booker’s Andrew Thompson, who took part alongside colleagues from Booker, Tesco, Londis and Dunnhumby.
Alongside fundraising, Pedal the Borders has become a major networking opportunity, helping strengthen industry relationships while connecting sponsors with senior decisionmakers from across the sector.
Sponsors and partner brands supported riders throughout the route with food and drink pit stops, including headline sponsor Whitworths.
Kieran Hemsworth, Chief Executive of GroceryAid, said: “Pedal the Borders sees colleagues from every corner of the industry rally to raise vital funds for deserving grocery workers and their families. The need for our services has never been greater, meaning our fundraising initiatives are critical to ensuring we can meet rising demand and continue providing life-changing support whenever it’s needed.
“While some riders are seasoned cyclists, others were new to the event and had never pedalled more than 50km in training. It shows how formidable all teams were to conquer the hills. As we say, it’s a testament to the strength and unity of our industry. A huge thank you to everyone who took part, sponsored and supported us along the way.”
GroceryAid’s 2027 UK cycle challenge will take place from 7-9 July.
