Charity cyclists tuck into meaty challenge (From Western Telegraph)

Charity cyclists tuck into meaty challenge

9:00am Monday 12th September 2011 in Farming News

A quartet of intrepid cyclists have been pedalling the message about two important charities all over the country.

The men in lycra challenge was a sponsored cycle in which four meat industry employees cycled through England, Wales, Ireland and Scotland in aid of the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI) and the Butchers and Drovers Charitable Institution (BDCI).

NFU chief livestock adviser John Mercer, whose family farm near Pumpsaint in Carmarthenshire, was one of the cyclists who dropped in to the Pembrokeshire County Show during the week-long, 600-mile sponsored cycle.

He said: “We are raising money for RABI and the BDCI, both of which work really hard to support people in farming and the livestock industry who have fallen on hard times. They are both great causes and I hope to raise as much money as I can to compensate for the inevitable saddle-sore injuries coming my way!”

The cyclists took to the roads on August 15th, arriving in Edinburgh a week later, visiting meat plants and processors along the way. Their stops included Dunbia in Llanybydder and Dawn Meats, Cross Hands, Llanelli.

The BDCI provides support for those who work, or have worked, in the meat industry and find themselves in need of help. The charity can contribute towards pensions or fees in residential or nursing homes, and can also provide one-off grants to help towards a major expense. To apply, contact the BDCI on 01727 896094 or email info@bdci.uk.com. For further details go to www.bdci.uk.com.

To sponsor the cyclists go to www.justgiving.com/bdcimenin lycra.