Staff get on their bikes for charity

Staff at a Tyne Valley pub are swapping lager for Lycra as they prepare for a massive, fundraising cycling challenge next month (February). And they are calling on super fit customers to join them.

On Wednesday 18 February, the team at The Runhead, Ryton, will begin a 24-hour bikeathon during which they will cycle non-stop on two, static, spin bikes mounted in the bar.

The aim is to raise a minimum of £1000 in sponsorship for Children’s Cancer North.

And they are urging customers to not only dig deep to help raise the money, but to take a turn on the bikes during the event and cheer them on as they cycle.

The Runhead is owned by leading Newcastle-based leisure operator Malhotra Group plc, which has chosen the children’s charity as its nominated charity for 2026.

And business manager Mark Johnson, who will be part of the cycling team, said he hopes their customers and the wider community will get behind them and offer their support.

“A couple of us are keen cyclists,” he said, “but even so it is quite a challenge to cycle for 24 hours non-stop.

“So, if anyone fancies joining us on the bikes for a short while, we’d ask them to speak to a member of staff.”

He said: “We’re incredibly grateful to Inline Fitness Centre, at Blaydon, which has lent us the bikes free of charge.

“Now, we just need to give it our best shot and hopefully raise as much as possible for a really good cause.”

The Runhead’s 24 Hour Bikeathon will start at 2pm on 18 February and finish at 2pm the following day.

To sponsor the team, visit their Just Giving page at https://www.justgiving.com/page/the-runhead-24-hour-bikeathon?utm_medium=FA&utm_source=CL

For further information visit www.therunhead.co.uk