Raise a pint and pounds for brewery boss’ epic bike ride

BY TOBY PORTER
toby@slpmedia.co.uk

A pub boss is cycling more than 200 miles across a Middle Eastern desert in just four days for homeless people and struggling families in the UK.

Sophie Goodall, from Lyham Road, Brixton Hill, is preparing to embark on an epic bike ride that is raising hundreds of thousands of pounds to support people facing homelessness and financial and emotional hardship.

She is joining 26 other riders from across the UK who are cycling 335km across the deserts and mountains of Jordan, in just four days, as part of the Peddling for Pubs campaign.

Sophie who is on the management team of Heineken’s pub business, has spent 10 weeks training for the gruelling challenge which begins on March 11.

Heineken own Brixton Brewery and The White Horse in Brixton along with another 139 London pubs – and the four-day ride has caught the imagination of supporters.

The 26 hardy riders have already raised close to the £200,000 with the aim of hitting £250,000 by the time they complete the 335km route, over the tricky mountainous terrain.

The extreme challenge is raising funds for two Only A Pavement Away and Licensed Trade Charity.

Both charities are for people facing homelessness, joblessness, health issues and financial hardship.

They have been helping those who have faced personal crisis – and could still lose everything as a result of the pandemic – get back on their feet.

Sophie has set an ambitious fundraising target of £10,000 and is appealing to the community in Brixton to help raise a further £5,000.

She will also be hosting a further fundraising return party with her friends and family at the Brixton Brewery taproom.

Sophie said: “I wanted to do something to help people in hospitality or currently unemployed and facing some of the toughest times financially and personally, as we continue to try and come out of the pandemic.

“I’m nervous and really excited to be taking on such a big challenge.

Six months ago, I could barely cycle 20km in one day, let alone 335km in four days, but I’ve been training hard and I know the monies raised will be life-changing for those without jobs and for those who have lost their business and face destitution.”

To donate, go to https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/sophie-goodall4.