Cyclists pull into Second Helpings for a pitstop

Queen Eleanor charity cyclists refuel at Second Helpings

On a very soggy Saturday over the August Bank Holiday weekend, we were delighted to give a warm Second Helpings welcome to a brilliant group of cyclists, supporting the fund-raising free-wheelers with the surplus food we collect.

The cyclists were taking part in the Queen Eleanor Cycle Ride – a 4-day, 200-mile sponsored event following the 12 Queen Eleanor Crosses, built by Edward I in memory of his wife Eleanor of Castile after she died in Harby near Lincoln in 1290.

They were raising funds to support Connection at St Martin-in-the-Fields, a London charity that helps people experiencing homelessness secure accommodation and move away from rough sleeping.

To complete their long trek from Lincoln to London, the cyclists rely heavily on the kindness of strangers. They sleep in church halls, and their meals are provided by generous local hosts – so, of course, we were more than happy to help!

We offered the group shelter from the pouring rain on Saturday lunchtime, serving up a hot meal to refuel them for their push onto Westminster Abbey. On the menu was a warming vegetable soup, a roast beef lunch, and plenty of delicious puddings –all made from surplus food collected from local suppliers.

If you’re part of a local group with a charitable mission, we’d love to help fuel your efforts too! Get in touch via our contact page to see how we can support you.