The Dordogne Challenge raised a grand total of £95,000 for local charities and saw a record number of teams take part.
The firm is the principal sponsor and co-organiser of the annual cycling challenges which have raised more than £320,000 in the last four years. They are supported by the Rotary Clubs of Bedford Park and Milton Keynes Grand Union together with builders’ merchants Gibbs & Dandy PLC.
Milton Keynes Mayor Cllr Brin Carstens presented cheques for £8,500 each to six local charities: Willen Hospice, St Johns Hospice in Moggerhanger, MK Multiple Sclerosis Society, Milton Keynes Community Cardiac Group, DEBRA (the charity for sufferers from genetic skin condition epidermolysis bullosa) and the Romanian Challenge Appeal.
Nearly as much again will be distributed to charities chosen by the participating teams themselves.
The event also unveiled details of this year’s special Four Nations Challenge, the most ambitious Extra Mile Challenge yet. Taking place on September 21-23, the 500-mile route takes in four European countries: Belgium, France, Luxembourg and Germany.
Heald Solicitors senior partner Martin Banham-Hall (pictured) said: “This is another proud moment as we celebrate this tremendous achievement. The 2006 Challenge welcomed record numbers of participants and we’re hosting this event to say a huge thank you to everybody who took part and, indeed, everybody who supported them with donations.”
Further details of this year’s Extra Mile Challenge can be found at www.extra-mile.org.uk. The event is suitable for adults of every age and state of fitness, and the cost of entry is subsidised by Heald Solicitors’ sponsorship.