Last week, our founder Des swapped the office for a bike saddle and headed to the French Pyrenees. He wasn't there for a holiday. Des spent the week as a guide rider on Pedal the Pyrenees, a gruelling seven-day, 710km cycling challenge from the Atlantic coast to the Mediterranean, all in aid of the Headcase Cancer Trust.
What the ride actually involves
Pedal the Pyrenees isn't a gentle pootle through the French countryside. Riders climb 13,750m over the week (that's one and a half Everests) tackling some of the most iconic Tour de France passes along the way, including the Col d'Aspin and the legendary Col du Tourmalet. It's the same terrain that's tested cycling greats like Eddy Merckx and Robert Millar, and it's every bit as tough as it sounds.
As a guide rider, Des was there to help get the whole group safely from the start line in Biarritz to the finish in Collioure, supporting riders through the long days in the saddle alongside a supporting crew.
Why this cause matters to Des
The charity behind the ride, Headcase Cancer Trust, was actually started by a friend of Des's, which is what makes this one so personal. Headcase is the only charity in the UK solely dedicated to funding research into Glioblastoma (GBM), one of the most aggressive forms of brain tumour. They take an unapologetically maverick approach to fundraising, but the numbers behind it are serious: over 98% of every donation goes straight into research, and 100% of the profits from Pedal the Pyrenees go directly to the charity.
Every rider who takes on the challenge and every guide rider who helps get them there, is helping fund the search for a cure.
What Headcase had to say
Headcase Trustee and Head Fundraiser Colin Spiers had this to say about the support Des and the wider Mailcoms group give the event each year:
"Whilst running the challenging Pedal The Pyrenees event to support our charity, Headcase Cancer Trust, we rely on support from our generous commercial partners. This goes a huge way to maximising the funds raised. Mailcoms has contributed and donated essential logistical, vehicle and guide rider support for many years. This has included UK guest bike collection and delivery from all over the UK and transportation to the start of the ride in Biarritz. They also provide vehicles which are invaluable when transporting support equipment and guest luggage across the route from Biarritz on the Atlantic to Collioure on the Mediterranean. Also, as a keen cyclist, Managing Director Des McManus volunteers his time to help guide our guests all along the route. Headcase Cancer Trust very much appreciates everything Mailcoms does to support the charity."
Supporting the cause
As part of the wider Mailcoms group, we're proud that Des gives up his time, as well as business vans and bike equipment each year to help this event run and to raise both money and awareness for GBM research. It's a reminder that behind the fast turnarounds and the printed boxes, we're a team of people who care about more than packaging.
If you'd like to support Headcase Cancer Trust's work, you can donate directly at headcase.org.uk/donate.
