Toffees chief executive tackles epic bike ride to raise funds for The Everton Foundation

09 September 2009 08:46
Everton return to Europa League action next week but chief cxecutive Robert Elstone has already claimed a slice of Euro glory. For Elstone was part of a group of charity fundraisers who battled heavy rain, howling head winds and steep hills to cycle from London to Paris and raise vital funds for The Everton Foundation. The gruelling route started in London and passed through the challenging Kent Downs, before crossing the English Channel and continuing through northern France, passing the famous battlefields of the Somme and Agincourt. After four days, 310 miles, 113 punctures and a hundred weight of bananas, the Everton Foundation London to Paris bike ride team arrived triumphant in the city of lights this week. Bringing the traffic to a complete standstill at the Arc de Triomphe, the charity fundraisers including Elstone and former Liverpool City Council leader Derek Hatton, enjoyed a well earned lap of honour around the famous five lane roundabout, known as the craziest in the world. The team report that the epic journey took every ounce of energy to complete, but they were determined to reach the final and earn their sponsorship which will go to delivering a host sports related disability programmes and community projects throughout Merseyside and beyond. Elstone said: 'Departing Goodison half an hour after the summer transfer window closed, I’d thought what better way to unwind? 'I hadn’t bargained for the wind and the rain, nor the constant challenge of side-splitting pain from all the laughs and good humour provided by all my fellow riders. 'Nor had I legislated for converting northern Parisians into Blues – the result of several renditions of ‘a grand old team’ as we dodged traffic along the banks of the Seine. 'Thanks to everyone’s efforts, the Foundation’s bank balance has swelled and a few more people are hearing about ‘the best kept secret in Liverpool’ – the Everton Foundation, a charity that inspires thousands of people every day.'

Source: Daily_Mail