Middleton ‘butler’ completes charity cycle challenge

Richard Philips

Richard Phillips, from Middleton, aka ‘The Butler’ is back home after completing an epic Manchester to Paris Charity Cycle Challenge in aid of the Kate Piper Foundation.

On his journey Mr Philips raised almost £1,500 by Butlering in Costa Coffee outlets en-route.

Mr Philips said: “I’m thrilled about completing this part of the challenge.

“The weather throughout the ride was perfect, although a little hot at times in my suit! Peoples reactions were really positive, asking lots of questions about what I was doing and the Katie Piper Foundation.”

The Katie Piper Foundation, was launched 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 said: “What inspired me to raise money for the Foundation is how Katie 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, has done the complete opposite pushing herself into the public eye through the Channel 4 documentary, newspaper articles and in many other ways all towards promoting The Katie Piper Foundation.”

‘The Butler’ set off from Manchester City Centre on Sunday 4 July, making his way down to London over 6 days solo carrying out duties linked to that of a Butler en-route in Costa Coffee outlets. Following 3 days rest The Butler, still in costume, joined over 110 other riders raising money for a host of different charities by riding to Paris over 4 days. He ended this part of the Challenge by waiting on for his fellow charity riders at a 4 star Paris hotel at the end of his 625 mile ride.

Being well on track to hit his fundraising target of £2,000, Richard’s focus will now move onto the next part of the challenge , hiring himself out to Butler. For this he plans to wait on at parties and business functions, serve and prepare special meals, make cocktails or carry out other duties associated with that of a Butler.

Mr Philips said: “Once I have a new suit after the ride, this part of the Challenge will involve carrying out most Butlering duties for people, within reason, for a donation. The contact I hope to have with larger groups in particular , such as at business network meetings, will be a great chance to promote the work of The Katie Piper Foundation and raise further awareness of what she is trying to do.”

For information about hiring The Butler out, contact Richard by email richard_r_phillips@hotmail.com

Donations for the Challenge can be made at http://www.justgiving.com/The-Butlers-Challenge