Thank you for visiting our fundraising page.

We are a bunch of lads (some would say fools) trying our best to raise money to help others. We all work for Axminster Power Tools and as a customer you may have been in contact with us at some time. 

I'm not sure how this came about, somewhere along the line there must have been a little bravado involved and some gentle cajoling. Either way eleven members of Axminster Power Tools’ staff have signed up for the FORCE charity cycle challenge at the end of June. With a couple of exceptions we are well and truly novice cyclists and more than happy to have some experience on the team.

Training is well under way with regular rides to and from work with various diversions on the way home to increase the stamina.In addition, Michael tackled the 100 mile Dartmoor Challenge in May. Laurie has run his first 1/2 marathon of the year (Great West Run) and  tackles the Torbay Half Marathon the week before the cycle challenge. Darren and Lawrie have just completed the 50 mile Somerset Levels bike ride 8th June.

The rest just believe it's easy and they are fit enough !!

Team Axminster:

Darren Peach (fur ball) a member of our tech sales team

Karl Lenthall (chardard) also a member of the tech sales team

Nick Bown (Spoony) a member of the returns & servicing team

Trevor Yates (Woodworm) a member or our Axminster Retail Sales team 

Colwin Way (the hamster) Deputy Sales Office Manager

Laurie Forino (le canard) Sales office Manager

Lawrie Poole (The Grinch) Warehouse Manager

Damion Norcombe (DamIT) ICT Manager

Gary Phillips (Beer Ball) Transport Manager

Michael Trimble (Lebusque) Financial Director

Tone Whitehurst (Silver Fox) Product co-ordinator

We are not renowned cyclists but took up the challenge because again it is in aid of an incredibly good cause.  

If the thought of us undertaking these events is not enough to encourage you to donate please read Tone's ( The Silver Fox) story:

In 2001 I was diagnosed with a form of head & neck cancer and underwent radical surgery followed by extensive radiation treatment. In all it was over eight months before I was even thinking about the light at the end of the tunnel. For the next five years I had regular (every three to four monthly) visits to the EN&T clinic for check ups.

I first came into direct contact with Force about eighteen months after my diagnosis, when I began to have emotional problems. My MacMillan nurse put me in touch with Force and arranged counseling. It was a very positive experience and I have had no further problems of that nature since.

One of the side effects of the radiation was an almost complete loss of saliva production, uncomfortable but not insurmountable, and to me a small price to pay. I was more than happy though when I received a letter from Force to say I had been recommended for treatment to help alleviate my dry mouth. This turned out to be a six week course of acupuncture at the Force centre next to the RD&E inExeter. Although not a cure it certainly has made life more comfortable.

In 2007 my daughter and a group of friends organised a two day cycle ride fromExeter to Lands End to raise money for Force. I joined as a rider and my wife drove the support vehicle. In one way and another I have had a fair bit of contact with Force over the past few years.

Whilst undergoing treatment, there is a team of doctors, specialists and nurses all focused on the patient. I can hardly imagine what my wife and daughter were going through, I was getting all the help and attention, but they were pretty much on their own.

Force offer help and support to both sufferers and their families. Whenever we have come into contact with anyone from Force there has always been a huge warmth and feeling of support. Just knowing you’re not alone and there are people who will help or just to have someone to talk to who is willing to listen is priceless. I know my family much appreciated this and this is why Force deserves your support, not just for those people who are going through the trauma of coping with cancer, but also for their families who are in need of just as much help and understanding.

It is thought that one in three people will be affected by cancer either directly or indirectly at some point in their lives.

A typical story that highlights the fantastic work and support that FORCE offer so please help us to raise as much as we can so we can help others in similar circumstances.

Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor us

FORCE will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.

So please sponsor us now!

Many thanks for your support.