Award-winning chef to join Tour de France charity ride
BaxterStorey executive chef Hayden Groves has signed up to cycle the 2015 Tour de France route in aid of the CureLeukeamia charity.
Groves, who was National Chef of the Year 2013, will be part of a 20-strong team put together by ex-footballer and cancer survivor Geoff Thomas. Each member is committed to raising a minimum of £50,000 to reach a group target of more than £1m for leukaemia cancer research.
The group will ride the 3,344km route in its entirety next July, starting one day in advance of the race. So far, Thomas has signed up five riders.
"I love a challenge and this one is huge; the sum of money to raise is considerable," said Groves. "I have loved riding my bike since a youngster.
"I was inspired to turn to the sport of road racing following the Epic 1989 Tour de France subsequently following the race and cycling closely ever since, it was my dream to turn pro in my early 20s, yet I spurned the chance to race a season in Belgium for an amateur U23 squad and a life at the stove beckoned.
"I am no stranger to a charity challenge through the years, but this is my ultimate to date, a real bucket list one! We hope to raise as a group in excess of £1m for CureLeukaemia a charity that is making a real impact to people's lives. The training will be difficult to balance a demanding day job with the miles required, however with every peddle revolution I know that my and our efforts will make a difference, as I've often said ‘if your dreams or challenges don't scare you a little then they're not big enough'."
Groves is welcoming sponsorship on his Just Giving page.
