On the Beach complete 350km cycling fundraiser in Turkey
Earlier this month, a team of 24 colleagues from On the Beach cycled 350km across Turkey to raise vital funds for DKMS UK.
The event was organised and undertaken in memory of their much-loved colleague, Andy Clague.
The long ride and challenge was the latest in a series of fundraising activities organised by the travel company in support of DKMS, after Andy sadly passed away from non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2018.
The group, which included On the Beach Chief Executive, Shaun Morton, was joined by Andy’s wife, Louise Clague, for the three-day challenge from Dalaman to Antalya.
The team set off on the 5th October, taking on a demanding route through Turkey’s hills and along its coastline, travelling from Dalaman to Kaş, then Tekirova, before finishing in Antalya.
Andy was much-loved at On the Beach, and his legacy is still very much part of us today.
Over the years, our team has done some incredible things in his memory and to support the vital work of DKMS.
Cycling 350km across Turkey in three days – with some fairly brutal climbs thrown in – is going to be some challenge, but we have a brilliant team taking it on and most importantly, we’re doing it for Andy, Lou, and DKMS, while raising plenty of money and awareness along the way.
Reflecting on the experience, Andy's wife, Louise, said:
“Andy navigated his illness with such dignity and never lost his sense of humour. Even when we were told he wasn’t going to get better, he kept us entertained with his quick wit."
"This year, I’ll be alongside them rather than cheering them on from the sidelines. Riding 350km across Turkey is not going to be easy, but I know Andy would be absolutely bursting with pride – and probably find it hilarious that I’ve signed myself up for this.”
On the Beach, one of our Corporate Partners, has been a dedicated supporter of DKMS for several years now, with their team regularly taking part in a wide range of fundraising and donor registration activities – including swabbing days, bake-offs, raffles, running events, and now, cycling challenges!
The company also honours Andy’s memory through its annual Andy Clague Award, presented to a colleague who has made an exceptional contribution over the 12 months previous. Lou presents the award each year in his memory.
All of us here at DKMS want to take this moment to give a huge congratulations to all 24 cyclists, including our Lou, for taking on this incredible challenge and going the extra mile in Andy’s memory.
We're incredibly grateful to everyone at On the Beach and to all those who supported the challenge for their continued dedication to DKMS UK. Their efforts are helping to raise vital funds and awareness of the continued need for more potential stem cell donors.