Housewares Business-to-business magazine for housewares retailers and their suppliers
Liz Lawson, managing director of south-west independent housewares chain Lawsons, has raised £1,245 for industry charity the Rainy Day Trust, after taking part in three 100k cycling events within four weeks.
She intended to participate in three sportives [an organised, mass-participation cycling event]: the Rapha Women’s 100k on September 15, the Lands’ End 100 Sportive on October 6, and the Great South West Sportive on October 14.
Liz told www.HousewaresLive.net: “When I signed up to do three 100k sportives I knew it would be challenging but didn’t realise how hard it would be! My first ride was the Rapha Women’s 100k when women across the world cycled 100k on September 15. Eighteen women set out from Plymouth and we had a brilliant day.
“My next was the Lands’ End 100 sportive on October 6 and the weather was wet and very windy. It was a lovely route around the coast of Cornwall but having a headwind all the way was like riding with your breaks on – not so much fun!
“My final planned sportive [the Great South West Sportive on October 14] was cancelled due to the bad weather. Not to be deterred, I created my own 100k route across Dartmoor and invited anyone to join me. So on Sunday October 21, three enthusiastic fellow riders, my husband John and I set out in thick fog! The day developed into glorious sunshine and we enjoyed the best of Dartmoor, which was a great way to end my adventure.”
Liz has now raised 124% of her £1,000 fundraising target and would like to thank everyone who sponsored her. If you would like to show your support too, please click on this link to her JustGiving page, which is still open: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/liz-squara
Explaining why she chose to raise money for the Rainy Day Trust, Liz said: “The Rainy Day Trust charity is 175 years old in 2018 and cares for the people who work in the industry I love and have worked in most of my adult life.
“I want to raise awareness of the help that the Rainy Day Trust gives by caring for past and present employees of the housewares, pottery & glass, hardware, brushware, diy, builders merchant and garden supply trades.
“In today’s society, charities like the Rainy Day Trust help people before they slip through the cracks, as social services are no longer there to help them. Sometimes a small amount of money can help someone keep their head above water and support their family. It’s a fabulous charity that does fantastic work.”
Liz added: “On a side note, I would encourage any women wanting to ride a bike to go to www.letsride.co.uk.Find a ride to suit you, and you will also find friendship, fun and fitness!”
Liz (far right) with fellow riders on the ‘Dartmoor 100k’
