Bath PR agency Creatrix and Trowbridge event management firm InEvents have given their backing to a London-to-Paris cycle challenge which hopes to raise vital funds for transport projects and healthcare initiatives in developing countries.
More than 60 cyclists will take part in the 240-mile feat over three days next month in aid of Transaid, the international development organisation that works to transform lives through safe, available and sustainable transport in economically developing countries. 
Creatrix PR and InEvents are supporting the event by sponsoring cyclist Alan West, who is the South West ambassador for Transaid.
Creatrix director Gary Squires said: “It has been fascinating to learn about the organisation and the work it does. The whole team at Creatrix PR wishes Alan the very best of luck and we look forward to hearing about his progress.”
InEvents director Emma Samways, who launched the corporate event management and consultancy business in early 2016, said she wanted to support the challenge after hearing about Transaid’s work Transaid.
She added: “Access to healthcare and safe transport are two things we take for granted here in the UK. When I first heard about Transaid I was struck by how fundamental and necessary their work was.”
Transaid’s programmes include an emergency transport scheme that helps get pregnant women living in rural areas of Africa to vital childbirth-related care, as well as helping community health workers reach families.
Around 75% of maternal deaths can be avoided through timely access to vital childbirth-related care, according to the World Bank.
Transaid also works with partners and governments to train drivers, making them more competent and their vehicles safer and so reducing death and injury on the road. In sub-Saharan Africa road deaths are the third-biggest killer following HIV/AIDS and malaria and the problem will only rise with the growing population.
Alan West, who works for DHL Supply Chain, battled a foot stress fracture to complete the Paris Marathon in April for Transaid. Fully healed, he is now busy training hard for the cycle challenge.
He said: “As an ambassador for Transaid I am always pleased when a new business or organisation decides to get involved and help raise the profile of such a worthwhile cause.
“I am really grateful for the support Creatrix PR and InEvents are giving not just me, but also Transaid. The training is going well and I am looking forward to getting on my bike in September.”
Alan has set himself a fundraising target of £1,600 for the two events with all money raised going directly to Transaid.
Corporate sponsorship opportunities are still available for his cycle ride. Email alwestparischallenges@gmail.com for details or alternatively sponsor Mr West by visiting his JustGiving page at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/AlWestL2P.
Pictured, from left: Transaid ambassador Alan West with Creatrix PR directors Vicky Windsor and Gary Squires
