They have done it! See how they coped during the four days by visiting their blog:

http://www.gallagher-group.co.uk/tour-de-four-blog

The Gallagher Group has been closely associated with Demelza for the last few years as it is a local company which is a big supporter of local charities, particularly a charity as worthwhile as Demelza. So when Demelza’s chief fundraiser asked if Gallagher wanted to put forward a team, it was easy to find four willing “volunteers” who were prepared to cycle 270 miles from Sittingbourne to Paris.

With two young children, Stephen Gallagher, the self appointed Captain, is finding it hard to find the time to train but hopefully he will come up trumps in April. Our Heavyweight companion will inevitably enjoy the downhill sections far more than the ‘up’s’. Steve has a successful sporting history to rely on and once captained the under 7’s in Primary School and should therefore be able to keep the assembled rabble in some order. Being the youngest of the Gallagher family, will inevitably, pay dividends with organising the daily post cycle rest and recuperation sessions required for such a gruelling 4 day adventure.

Richard Harrison is the fittest of the lot (and that is not saying much!), but only because cycling is the only sport left which he can partake! Over the past few years, he has been gradually falling apart and had to give up all the sports he used to enjoy, such as squash (couldn’t see the ball anymore) running (knackered knees) cricket (bad back- mind you there are some that would say ‘no loss’) and chasing after the Wife (now waits for the Wife to come to him). There are rumours too that ‘Pilates’ has become part of his life, the thought of Lycra and leotards for the evening rituals do not bode well for the fellow participants.

Nick Harris was motivated to sign up , with the thought of four nights on the lash, but would only agree to it if there was a pocket in his cycling shorts that could accommodate a packet of cigarettes and a lighter! Being the oldest of the Gallagher team, full respect is duly commanded. Our chosen charity partner will also no doubt benefit from a reduced room rental as it is doubtful, if the bar is open that ‘our Chopper’ will disturb the bed sheets.

Last but not least- that task will fall to Steve in Paris- our final participant is no other than the infamous John Kerrigan. John is a ‘legend’ in his small village back home in County Mayo, where the cycle is still considered to be a posh man’s pony. ‘Spud’s’ Kerrigan has taken the training to heart and is the dark horse in our midst. John is a semi professional Boxer (X Box) and Fantasy Football guru and no doubt will be siting behind Harrison’s wheel ready to strike at the opportune moment to collect the odd stage win/ king of the mountains bonus points.

Reading the above, it is clear to see why Demelza needs our help!

The current bad weather is a great excuse to say it is hindering their training regime, not to mention the lack of ability, but they are confident they will get there in the end- after all Monday is a Bank Holiday in Paris too.

Demelza needs to raise in excess of £8 million a year to sustain two centres, the one in Sittingbourne and the other in Eltham, South East London.

The team will be very thankful for any donations received, big or small, and all the money raised will be gratefully received by Demelza, enabling them to carry on their incredible work.