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28th January 2021

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ABCD group members net £4000 for children's charity with endurance challenge

Four members of the ABCD Tile Group (Association of British Ceramic Distributors) have raised more than £4,000 for a children's charity by completing an epic endurance race in the Lake District.

Stefan Firth, chief Executive of Yorkshire Tile Co, Nick Braybrooke, managing director of Ceramic Tiles, Julian Hase, managing director at Hampshire Tile Warehouse and David Brown, sales director at Tileflair, competed in the Race the Sun - Lake District 2015 for Action Medical Research for Children.

The exciting triathlon-style adventure challenge saw the team cycle two legs of 25 miles each, hike to the summit of England's second highest mountain - Helvellyn at 3,116ft - and canoe a 3km course on Lake Thirlmere.

Competing as 'Team ABCD', the quartet braved 30mph winds and rain to finish the race in 8 hours 33 minutes, coming second out of 55 teams, winning the Senior Event and setting a new record time for both of the 25 mile cycle legs in the process.

Nick, who has previously completed the London-Paris Cycle Ride, says the team was brought together through their love of cycling.

"We all share an interest in cycling and have talked for some time about taking part in a charity event together, so when Stefan came up with idea of doing the Race the Sun event, we thought we'd give it a go," he explains.

"It was a truly memorable experience and despite the mixed weather the team effort really paid off and shows, even in this industry, that over 50 doesn't mean 'over and out'!

"The really good news is that with the help of all the companies and individuals who sponsored us, we have raised more than £4,000 for Action Medical Research for Children - which is dedicated to improving the health of sick and disabled babies and children.

"We would like to thank everyone who sponsored Team ABCD and for those who haven't, it's not too late as you can still donate at: www.action.org.uk "

Peter Bell, managing director of Building Adhesives Ltd and Ardex (UK) which sponsored the team with £1000, quips: "Congratulations to the 'Golden Oldies' for completing the Race to the Sun, a truly fantastic achievement and for such a great cause too. I'm sure I'm not the only one who had their doubts that they'd complete the challenge, but the team more than confounded expectations with an awesome performance!"

The Association of British Ceramic Distributors (ABCD Tiles) is a group of independent ceramic tile distributors located throughout the UK. ABCD Tiles offers a range of products from the major British manufacturers, as well as a unique selection of exclusive tiles from around the world. The association is made up of eight members with a combined total of 35 branches spanning the length and breadth of the UK. Together, the members have over 250 years' experience in the industry, allowing them to offer the best products along with unparalleled customer service.

ABCD Tiles are specialist suppliers to independent tile retailers, housing developers, builders merchants, tile specialists, housing associations, interior designers, tile fixers and general builders, in addition to supplying directly to the public.

Founded in 1963 and based in Stoke-on-Trent, BAL market leader in professional tile adhesives and grouts, offering an unrivalled range of products, technical support and training for professional fixers, contractors and specifiers.BAL can provide a solution for any background, environment or tile material and is trusted throughout the industry for its quality and lasting performance.

Tel: +44 (0)1782 591105
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: www.bal-adhesives.com

11th September 2015