Rose Hill Midcounties Co-operative store are looking forward to a day of pedal power on Friday 25th May to raise money for Aspire Oxford, a local employment charity.

The store will be taking on a new Bike-a-Thon challenge called “Cycling Together, Changing Lives Forever” using a static bike kindly lent to them by Pure Gym in Cowley. Members of staff from both Midcounties Co-operative and Aspire Oxford will be swapping their usual work attire for sports gear and are aiming to cycle 183 miles on one day, equal to the number of clients Aspire supports on their core employment programme in one year.

There will also be a cupcake giveaway on the day to keep energy levels high! This event is part of a two year partnership between Midcounties Co-operative and Aspire Oxford, which includes fundraising, volunteering and work experience placements for Aspire’s clients.

Store Manager at Rose Hill Midcounties Co-operative, Aaron Gee, said:

“This is a great opportunity for us to show support to our charity partner who currently run some excellent projects across Oxfordshire. Having personally seen some of the great things the Aspire team have achieved, I believe by continuing our partnership with them we can accomplish even greater things in the future. My team and I are really looking forward to this event and invite everyone in the community to come along on the day!”

Helen Mariner, Fundraising and Communications Manager at Aspire Oxford, commented:

“We are absolutely delighted that the Rose Hill Midcounties Co-operative store will be taking on this special cycling challenge for us. The money they raise will make so much difference to supporting the most disadvantaged people in our community into employment. We’d encourage anyone in the local area to pop in and show their support on the day!”