Jewson, the UK's leading supplier of sustainable timber and building materials to the trade and public, has launched its largest charity event to date.

The Tour de Jewson cycling relay marathon launched on the 4th October and brought together staff, suppliers and customers in a bid to raise money for Jewson's charity partner Help the Hospices.

Jewson Managing Director, Peter Hindle MBE, and Jewson Sales & Operations Director, Neil Lawrence will also be rolling up their sleeves and taking part along with Mick Ives, a former cycle-cross world champion.

The rest of the tour's participants will start from Colchester, Dover, Haverfordwest or Penzance and will cycle their way via 68 Jewson branches, marking the mid-way point at the Jewson head office in Binley, Coventry on the 7th October. After participants cover an impressive distance of 1801 miles - the endurance event will finish in John O'Groats on the 16th October.

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"The aim of the event is to work together to raise money for Help the Hospices," explained Paul Edwards, Director of Sales at Jewson. "One in three people in the UK have received support from the charity and we are proud to be able to show our ongoing support with the proceeds from the Tour de Jewson."

Those braving the challenge will cover 100 miles of cycling every day with five separate relay teams covering 20 miles cycling between the hours of 8am and 6pm each day.

Jewson's Managing Director, Peter Hindle has an impressive cycling history himself, having represented Great Britain on a number of occasions.

Since its launch in 2002, Jewson's 'together' charity programme has raised over £1.6 million for some great causes including the British Heart Foundation, Great Ormond Street and Cancer Research UK. The programme encourages Jewson staff, their families, customers and suppliers to organise and participate in a range of activities to support the nominated charity through fundraising and volunteering. July 2009 saw the launch of the 'together' partnership between Help the Hospices & Jewson, with almost 500 sites twinned with their local hospice.

To demonstrate support and help Jewson raise money for Help the Hospices visit: www.justgiving.com/tour-de-jewson

(CD/KMcA)