The Anesco charity cycling team (from left to right): Kevin McLeman, Ian Corrick, Brendan Davies, Chris Lowe, Tom King, Gary Crossley, Jamie Jackson, Chris Stirling, David Fionda, Jamie Rowland
Employees from renewable energy company, Anesco, swapped solar power for pedal power when they recently took on a 300-mile charity cycle ride in aid of a former colleague.
The challenge was organised in memory of Sean Gannon, a ‘larger than life’ engineer who worked as part of Anesco’s Operations and Maintenance team. Sean was diagnosed with sarcoma cancer, a rare and under-researched cancer found in soft tissues within the body. He passed away in December 2021, leaving behind his wife Kate and two young children.
Setting off from Wreay Solar Farm in Carlisle, the most northerly solar farm to be developed, built and managed by Anesco in England, the cycling challenge took place over six days and concluded at the company’s head office, near Aldermaston in Reading.
It was completed as a relay and saw Anesco employees cycling for around 6 hours – covering a distance of more than 50 miles – each day. The cyclists taking part were Chris Stirling, Tom Wales, Brendan Davies, Chris Lowe, Gary Crossley, Ian Corrick, Jamie Jackson, Jamie Rowland, Kevin McLeman, David Fionda and Thomas King.
The riders were met at the finish line by colleagues, who congratulated them on their achievement. A bake sale was also held, raising £300 towards the fundraising total.
The team’s efforts have resulted in more than £5000 being raised for Sarcoma UK, a charity chosen for support by Sean’s wife, Kate Gannon, with donations continuing to be received via the team’s gofundme page.
Chris Stirling, HSE Manager at Anesco and one of the cyclists taking part, commented: “I worked closely with Sean and it’s been an honour to be able to do something for his legacy, while helping raise awareness for this hideous disease. I couldn’t be prouder of the team for stepping up to take on this challenge.
“A huge thank you to everyone who has donated and also to the wider Anesco team for all their encouragement. It was certainly a hot one and the support really helped get us through those more challenging moments!”
Sarah Thorn, Philanthropy and Partnerships Manager at Sarcoma UK, said: “Huge congratulations to the Anesco Team for completing their charity cycle and raising an incredible £5000 for people affected by sarcoma cancer. Around 15 people in the UK are diagnosed with sarcoma every day, and these funds will help to provide vital research, information and support. We would like to share our sincerest thanks to everyone at Anesco for supporting this challenge in Sean’s memory.”
For more information on the charity, please visit www.sarcoma.org.uk