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Eleven brave cyclists from the Abingdon-based company PMC have tackled the peaks of the Coast-to-Coast cycling challenge to raise more than £3,500 for Adoption UK, a national charity based in Banbury.

The team of cyclists, made up of employees of PMC as well as some friends and family members, embarked on the gruelling three-day, 151-mile bike ride, on 11 September. The route took them from Whitehaven on the West Coast of England over the Lake District and Pennines through Penrith and Allenheads reaching Tynemouth on the East Coast on the 14September.

PMC, an independent retails systems specialist, is a long-time supporter of Adoption UK, the leading charity providing support, awareness and understanding for  those parenting or supporting children who cannot live with their birth parents.

Huw Thomas, Managing Direct, PMC Retail, said: “It was a challenging and difficult ride for all who took part, not only physically but also psychologically. Although everyone had trained extensively the team still got a bit of a shock on the first day, but the amazing camaraderie helped them with all the highs and lows. 

“This challenge has given everyone an overwhelming sense of achievement and memories they will never forget. They are now looking for the next challenge to help support Adoption UK.”

Around 4,000 children are adopted each year in England. The majority of these children have been removed from their birth families due to abuse and neglect. Their early childhood experiences can often lead to behavioural, physical and emotional difficulties. Adoption UK helps support adoptive parents build brighter futures for their children.

PMC continues to support Adoption UK through a variety of fundraisers within the company. All the money raised goes towards helping the charity carry out its vital work.

Susannah Forkun, Head of Fundraising for Adoption UK, said: “Congratulations to the PMC team - I know from meeting some of them after the event what a difficult challenge this was.  Thank you to everyone who took part and made this fundraising event such a success.   

“PMC and their staff have been supporters of the charity for some years now and their enthusiasm and willingness to try challenges such as this is wonderful to see.  Their fundraising is making a real difference to the work Adoption UK does across the UK.”

You can still add to the total raised and support the work of Adoption UK by donating at https://www.justgiving.com/PMC-C2C/