Dame Sarah Storey, Great Britain’s most successful Paralympian, launched the inaugural Seashell Trust Cup to raise money for the charity’s profoundly disabled students.
Business leaders went head-to-head in the Seashell Trust’s Battle of the Champions at the HSBC National Cycling Centre.
Paralympic gold medal cyclists Jody Cundy MBE, Helen Scott and Neil Fachie, and double world champions James Ball and Jon Gildea were on hand to inspire the 32 cyclists on their thigh-burning laps against the clock.
The velodrome victor was Paul McSorely, from Optimus Build, with personal trainer Richard Parry hot on his wheels, followed by Tom Webb of Brazen PR.
Dame Sarah said: “I was delighted to attend the Battle of Champions, the competition was fierce and everyone had an enjoyable time.
“The fundraising challenge for the trust is quite something but the impact of realising it will be astronomical for the children and families they support.
“Seashell Trust can proudly say how they have moved and developed with the changing landscape over the past 200 years and this next phase sees them stepping up even further with their provision. It’s hugely inspiring.”
The charity’s Transforming Lives Appeal is raising funds for a building a state-of-the-art school as part of its national centre of excellence in Cheadle Hulme.
It cares for children and young people with complex physical and learning disabilities, deafness, blindness, autism, and communication needs.
Rachel McCrystal, from Seashell, said: “The event exceeded our expectations and all the participants have taken us up on the offer of coming to visit Seashell to learn more about the Transforming Lives Appeal.”
Teams from Morson International, PZ Cussons, B&M Stores, Boodles, Brown Shipley and Barclays took part in the event.
Bobby Arora, director of B&M Stores, said: “It was wonderful from start to finish. Some exertive training, challenging competition, lovely company, terrific inspiration and most importantly, a great cause. ”
To support the appeal, please contact Rachel McCrystal on 0161 610 0142 or Rachel.McCrystal@seashelltrust.org.uk.