After four days and a 1,500km drive, the Polypipe Keyline Rally team is reflecting on its adventure to the French Riviera. The annual event, organised by Keyline and involving various teams from across the construction industry, aimed to raise awareness and over £100,000 for Prostate Cancer UK.
A two-man driving team in Polypipe’s customised Mean Machine Mini Cooper S, conquered famous routes across France including ‘Route Napoleon’ in the southern Alps.
Meanwhile, a five strong cycling team, the Polypipe Riders, cycled 300km along the French coast and up Mont Vontoux, from Nice to St Tropez, providing further fundraising for the charity.
Day 1
The Polypipe team and other construction company teams presented a cheque for £100,000 to Prostrate Cancer UK as they set off from Northampton, which Polypipe Civils contributed towards.
The first day was a textbook exercise of logistical planning, as both the cycling and car teams made it safely across the channel on the ferry. The temperatures were balmy – lovely conditions for a drive in an air-conditioned car, not so comfortable for those relying on pedal power.
Day 2
Setting off early to beat the heat, the Polypipe Riders began the ride that culminated in a climb of 1912 metres with gradients hitting 17% to reach the peak of Mont Vontoux, which is viewed in the cycling fraternity as one of Europe’s toughest climbs - one that Chris Froome can testify to when he ended up running up when his bike crashed during this year’s Tour de France! Spirits were high, which got them through the climb, despite the blistering 36ºC heat – Meanwhile the car team had to perform a recuse act for Keyline Managing Director Kieran, who was feeling the effects of not using enough sun screen.
Over in the car, the day’s driving commenced at a former Formula One race track, to give a real race feel to the rally participants.
Day 3
Hitting Cannes and St Tropez, and reaching the finishing line, the driving team were rather pleased to have met their final destination, for a well-deserved celebration of their fundraising and driving efforts. The cycling team were also very happy to have completed their Mont Vontoux challenge, and arriving safely back at sea level!
At present Polypipe has raised £3,929.71 through the efforts of Polypipe staff, and kind contributions through the dedicated JustGiving page, with further contributions still expected.
Emma Nicholls, Marketing Manager at Polypipe Civils: “We have been part of the Keyline Rally for five years, driving and cycling across Europe for charity. The car has seen some miles, but it all goes to a brilliant cause and we are proud to be supporting Keyline and Prostate Cancer UK for another year.”
James Beeby, Director of Fundraising at Prostate Cancer UK, said: “We are extremely grateful for Polypipe’s continual support in the fight against prostate cancer. The money they continue to raise will help us reach closer to our goal of taming prostate cancer within the next ten years, making it a disease which men no longer need to fear. We wish them the very best of luck in their challenge.”
We are still collecting kind donations, please visit www.justgiving.com//PolypipeKRally16 to make a contribution.
About Prostate Cancer UK
Prostate Cancer UK leads the fight against prostate cancer. We fund ground-breaking research, drive improvements in treatment, and fight injustice in care. Now we’ve set ourselves the toughest challenge yet: to stop prostate cancer being a killer.
Through shifting the science over the next 10 years to focus on radical improvements in diagnosis, treatment, prevention and support, we can make prostate cancer a disease the next generation of men need not fear.