Center Parcs cycle challenge in aid of Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity

Center Parcs Directors cross the finish line. L-R: Judi Leavor, Martin Robinson, Martin Dalby, Paul Kent, Paul Inglett, Colin Whaley

On 24th April, six Center Parcs Directors cycled 125 miles - from the company Head Office in Ollerton to the new site at Woburn Forest in Bedfordshire - raising £25,481 to push Center Parcs’ overall fundraising total to £500,000.

Center Parcs CEO Martin Dalby, Chairman Martin Robinson and fellow Directors Colin Whaley, Judi Leavor, Paul Inglett and Paul Kent completed Center Parcs’ final challenge for the charity in 13 hours, receiving more than 240 donations.

Since 2010, Center Parcs has been raising much-needed funds for the Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity Beds for Bedz appeal, aiming to keep families together by providing accommodation for parents whilst their children are undergoing treatment at Great Ormond Street Hospital.

Tim Johnson, Chief Executive of Great Ormond Street Hospital, and Martin Dalby, CEO of Center Parcs, celebrating Center Parcs raising £500,000

During this time, with the help of generous staff and guests, Center Parcs raised half a million pounds through guest donations when making a short break booking and match-funding from the company.

Center Parcs villages around the UK have also been busy raising money through activities such as rubber duck races down the Wild Water Rapids, teddy bear hunts and sponsored skydiving.

Tim Johnson, chief executive of Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity said: “We’re thrilled that Center Parcs and its guests have raised an incredible £500,000 for our Beds for Bedz appeal.”

“Throughout our partnership we have been constantly impressed by the dedication, enthusiasm and imagination of Center Parcs staff, whether they were taking on a 125 mile bike ride or organising a wild water rapids duck race!”

He added: “The money raised by Center Parcs is making a real difference for patients, helping us keep families together by providing accommodation for parents whilst their children are being treated at the hospital.”

“We would like to thank everyone at Center Parcs for their support and generosity over the past three years.”

Martin Dalby, CEO, Center Parcs added: “It was an amazing feeling cycling over the finish line today, what an incredible end to our three year partnership with this really worthy cause.”

“We’re extremely proud to have reached £500,000 and would like to thank our guests, staff and anyone else who has generously donated over the years, we couldn’t have done it without your support!”

You can see pictures and updates from the route and finish line by following @CenterParcsUK #GOSHcycle on Twitter.