Old Mill staff raise £20k in memory of colleague

Staff from Old Mill have raised £19,604 by cycling 207 in memory of Exeter employee Nick Baker, who sadly lost a short and sudden battle with cancer in August last year.

Colleagues, friends and family of the riders and Nick greeted the group of riders at the Old Mill offices Yeovil once they had completed the ride, which saw them cycle from St Malo, to Saint Michel, to Lessay and onto Cherbourg before boarding a ferry back to Poole and then back to the West Country.

David Rice, who was a colleague and friend of Nick’s, organised and took part in the challenge and is thrilled with the support they have received and money is still coing in.

David said: “Our 3rd cycle challenge was a superb experience, the French countryside was a truly an excellent place to pay tribute to our dear colleague Nick Baker. My colleague Duncan Parkes even rode Nick’s bike.

"The comradery amongst the riders and the organisation of the ride provided by School in a Bag made the ride very memorable, and especially poignant to highlight the importance of getting the most out of life.

"Old Mill and the participants of the cycle ride have been blown away by the support and donations received, we always felt confident of raising £10,000, but to be on the cusp of raising £20,000 we are truly grateful and appreciative.”

Nick was a true action man; he was a marathon runner, had completed John o’ Groats to Land’s End cycle challenge and also took part in the two previous Old Mill cycle rides to raise money for School in a Bag. His colleagues were keen to do something in his memory and a ride together seemed like the perfect idea.

The money raised will go to Yeovil charity School in a Bag - which sends rucksacks filled with stationery, learning resources and eating utensils to poor, orphan, disadvantaged and disaster affected children around the world - and Marie Curie, who provide care and support to people and their families with a terminal illness.

Marie Curie was chosen by Nick’s parents, while School in a Bag – which also has two riders taking part in the challenge - has been one of Old Mill’s nominated charities for many years.

If you would like to donate, please visit: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/nickbakerOM