Craig Budsworth, a branch manager for True Solicitors in Birmingham and Paul Jackson, a regional manager at Accident Exchange, are leading a small group of colleagues on a ride from Blackpool Tower to the Eiffel Tower in Paris in aid of Winston’s Wish.
The five-strong team, which has called itself Tower Rangers, will start the 507 mile journey on 30 April to raise money for the charity, chosen by Budsworth. The the former chairman of the Motor Accident Solicitors Society chose Winston’s Wish after his close friends suffered the devastating loss of their two-year-old daughter Natasha in a road accident. The charity supported the family and helped them to cope with their grief.
“In over two decades of helping people who have been involved in road traffic accidents, this does not prepare you for the loss of a child who was like a niece to me,” said Budsworth (pictured, far right).
“When something as devastating as this happens, you struggle to see any light at the end of the tunnel but Winston’s Wish has been there to help Tasha’s parents, her twin and her other siblings, come to terms with that loss. There are times when I know that they have only been able to continue to function because of the support of this wonderful charity.”
Budsworth and Jackson will be joined on the five-day ride by Chris Thompson, Dave Perkins (inside left) and Phil Gilbert (far left).
Jackson (pictured, inside right), who organised the event, said: “Craig has a great reputation for undertaking challenging charity bike rides so I knew he’d be up for this event.
“Before hearing about Natasha’s story and the help the family received from Winston’s Wish, I was planning to ride for Help for Heroes. When I learned that the two charities work in partnership, I knew that Winston’s Wish was the best charity we could ride for. Knowing the difference they make will get us all through the 507 miles in five days – well, that and plenty of chamois cream!”
Donations to team Tower Rangers can be made via their JustGiving page at justgiving.com/teams/towerrangers