<h1><strong>Major Bike Ride Sponsor Visits Chosen Charity to See Valuable Services First Hand</strong></h1>
Sussex IFA, Mike Oliver, principal of Mike Oliver Associates in Haywards Heath, took up the mantle of new chairman for the Greater Haywards Heath Bike Ride earlier this year.  In his newly appointed role he recently visited the Bike Ride’s chosen charity, the Dame Vera Lynn Children’s Charity (DVLCC).

The Dame Vera Lynn Children’s Charity (DVLCC) supports under fives with cerebral palsy and other motor learning impairments to realise their full potential. The charity was created to give very special children a place where they can learn and thrive in a warm, supportive setting that understands their unique journey. Through its early intervention service and support network, the charity works alongside families to give their very young children the best possible start in life.

Pilar Cloud, Executive Manager, DVLCC, said, “<em>We would like to thank the 2019 Greater Haywards Heath Bike Ride organisers for choosing Dame Vera Lynn Children’s Charity as this year’s charity beneficiary.  This is our first opportunity to be involved with this outstanding event, and we are really looking forward to working with the organisers and cheering on all the participants this October as they cycle their chosen distance.  We are also so glad to have the opportunity to meet Mike Oliver, the event’s lead sponsor, and to show him around the Charity. Mike took a lot of time to ask questions of staff about our service to better understand what we do and the unique journey that our families are on. We really appreciate that engagement with the event sponsors who are all so involved with our local community.</em>”

During his visit, Mike was given a comprehensive tour of the centre and its facilities and met some of the children the charity supports along with their parents. Mike said, “<em>What an incredible visit to this worthwhile charity. As a father myself, I can wholly relate to the wonderful work carried out here and how the staff and facilities can fundamentally change the lives of their children. It’s a great pleasure to be supporting this amazing organisation through the Greater Haywards Heath Bike Ride.”</em>

The Greater Haywards Heath Bike Ride is now in its ninth year. This year it will take place on Sunday 13<sup>th</sup> October – switched from its previous place in the spring calendar to an autumn event.  Once again this year, the race will see four routes with well-spaced comfort breaks, feed stations and entertainment on The Broadway to welcome home the riders. It’s tipped to be a challenging ride for serious riders, exhilarating for weekend riders and a great day out for the whole family. Organisers hope the race will build on its record total of over £16,000 for last year.

Mike Oliver, goes on to say, “<em>I truly believe that it is one of the most rewarding charity events in the Mid Sussex area. There’s always a great sense of camaraderie among competitors as well as a great ambience. Cycling has always been a great passion of mine and this is a fantastic opportunity to combine one of my favourite hobbies with fundraising for this worthy cause. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone take part on the day.</em>”

Would be competitors can find out more and book a slot here: <a href="https://bit.ly/1HvWUHH">https://bit.ly/1HvWUHH</a>

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<strong>Note to Editors</strong>

The Greater Haywards Heath Bike Ride began in 2011 and is organised by Haywards Heath Town Team in association with Hayward’s Heath Town Council, with Ruth de Mierre being the Chief Organiser. Last year it raised over £16.000 for the Air Ambulance Service and Kangaroos, a local disability support charity based in Haywards Heath. Overall it has raised in excess of £80,000.

Mike Oliver Associates has sponsored the Greater Haywards Heath Bike Ride each year since its inception in 2011 and this year will be its third year as a major sponsor.

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