Gary Burke, Managing Director of Burke Bros Moving Group, has been named the number one individual fundraiser for raising the largest amount of money for his chosen charity, hospice Compton Care, in the Wolverhampton to Aberdovey Bike Ride. Gary has raised £6,500 (including gift aid) after joining the 500+ cyclists who took part in the 105 mile ride in June. After seven hours of cycling, Gary was the second to arrive in Aberdovey.
He originally set a personal target of finding 40 donations to mark hospice Compton Care’s 40th year providing end of life care, which coincided with Burke Bros Moving Group’s 40th year, to not only raise funds for the hospice but to also raise awareness of the charity. As Gary explains: “I set a target and realised I could do more so eventually I beat the all time record for the event by one person. Support has come from friends and colleagues both within the UK and around the world. There will be more than 130 donations when the original target was 40. I moved it to 64 to represent my age. Then 100 as it sounded a good round number then 130 which I have reached.”
He took to the pedals to raise vital funds for the hospice, which is local to Burke Bros Moving Group’s head office in Wolverhampton. The international moving company has supported the charity through a number of other initiatives for many years.
Commenting on the achievement, Gary said: “I’m delighted that through friends and colleagues I’ve been able to raise the much needed funds to be able to help Compton Care. I’d like to issue a personal thank you to all of the supporters, many of which are business colleagues, suppliers, customers and friends.
End of life care affects all families at some time. We all know friends and family that have needed support at some time and Compton continues to offer support and help today for many people and their families. Both personally and as a company we’re strong supporters of the charity ride and of raising funds for the hospice.”
Hugh Porter MBE, Patron of Compton Care, President of Wolverhampton Wheelers Cycling Club, four times world champion, Freeman of the City of Wolverhampton and BBC TV commentator added: “Gary has achieved an amazing amount of money in this year’s ride. Wolverhampton to Aberdovey is a challenging event for anyone especially for someone like Gary who, as a very successful business man, barely has a minute to spare. I’m delighted that people have appreciated his efforts and sponsored him, making the money he’s raised the highest by an individual in the history of the event.”
Rachel Overfield, CEO of Compton Care commented: “We’re delighted that Gary chose to support us with his Wolverhampton to Aberdovey bike ride, and we are very grateful for his continued support of Compton Care. Gary’s dedication to both raising funds for us and raising awareness of the vital services we provide throughout the local community is recognised and appreciated by all of us across the charity.
We simply would not be able to continue to support our patients and their families without the fundraising efforts of people like Gary.”
Speaking about this year’s event, Paul Sheldon representing the official Wolverhampton to Aberdovey charity bike ride committee added: “So far from 439 riders, £160,311 has been raised with a few donations to still come in.”
Compton Care have been supporting patients facing life-limiting illnesses, and their families, for 40 years. A fully qualified team of doctors, nurses and support workers are on hand to provide the best possible care for patients and their families during the most difficult periods.
Burke Bros Moving Group are also the official logistics provider for the charity bike ride, supplying both storage and transport solutions.
Gary Burke’s JustGiving page is still open if anyone would like to support Gary as he’s still raising to help Compton with a little more:
www.justgiving.com/Gary-Burke4
