Charity bike ride with a difference

Richard Philips

Next month a Middleton man will take part in the Manchester to Paris Charity Cycle Challenge – dressed as a butler.

Richard Philips, who was nicknamed ‘The Butler’ a number of years ago decided to use it as a theme for the fundraising event.

The bike ride is part of the ‘The Butlers Challenge’ which is a series of events set up to raise money for The Katie Piper Foundation.

The Katie Piper Foundation was set up at the end of last year by a young lady called Katie Piper, who was the victim of a terrible attack back in 2008 that left her with severe burns.

Mr Philips, AKA ‘The Butler,’ will set off from Manchester City Centre on Sunday 4 July, making his way down to London over 7 days carrying out duties linked to that of a Butler en-route in a number of Costa Coffee outlets.

Following 3 days rest, where he hopes to put his feet up and be waited on himself, Mr Philips will join over 100 riders raising money for a whole host of different charities by riding to Paris over 4 days.

“I’m really looking forward to the ride” said Mr Phillips, the Charity Challenge Butler. “Cycling to London and Butlering on the way will be a fantastic experience and a great chance to help raise funds and increase awareness of what The Katie Piper Foundation is trying to do. The mass ride over to Paris when The Tour de France is taking place will be amazing too – people in France are so passionate about cycling and the whole country is excited at that time of year.”

Speaking about The Butler Challenge, Mr Philips said: “The Butler first had an outing in a fun run a few years back. His appearance went down well so I wanted to use the concept on a larger scale to help raise more money.”

Over the summer ‘The Butler’ will take part in a number of other fundraising activities. This will include hiring himself out to people to Butler – for serving and preparing special meals, waiting on at parties and celebrations, making cocktails for a night or other duties associated with that of a Butler. He will also carry further work in cafes in the Manchester area, and host a fundraising party and meal.

Mr Philips, added: “What inspired me to raise money for the Foundation that Katie set up at the end of 2009 is how she reacted to it. Given the gravity of the attack many people would have stepped back from normal day to day activities and not gone out. Katie, however, did the complete opposite pushing herself into the public eye through the documentary, newspaper articles and in many other ways all towards promoting The Katie Piper Foundation.”

Upon hearing about the ride Katie Piper said “We’re delighted that Richard has chosen the Katie Piper Foundation to support. Thank you so much, we’ll be rooting for you on the day, best of luck – can’t wait to see the photos.”

The bike ride will cover a distance of over 500 miles in just under 2 weeks, with ‘The Butler’ arriving back in Manchester late on Sunday 18 July.

Mr Philips’ fundraising target for the Challenge is £2,000. Donations for Challenge can be made at http://www.justgiving.com/The-Butlers-Challenge