As part of its 50th anniversary celebrations, MDL is sponsoring the ‘Marine Industry does the Isle of Wight’ charity bike ride.

On 15 July 2023, in celebration of MDL’s 50 years, 50 members of the marine industry will be aiming to raise £50,000 for children’s charity Dreamflight by covering over 50 miles as they circumnavigate the Isle of Wight on two wheels.

Dreamflight is a UK registered charity that takes children with a serious illness or disability on a holiday of a lifetime to Orlando, Florida. Since Dreamflight took its first trip in November 1987 it has bought the magic of Walt Disney World to over 6,000 children in a lifechanging trip on a privately hired aircraft.

“As a previous attendee of the Dreamflight Ball in 2017 and having spoken with some of the severely disabled children who have benefited from their visit to Disneyland, I felt compelled to contribute towards this wonderful cause,” says charity ride organiser, TBS Boats’ Chris Manners.

“In 2019, a group of us with very little bike experience decided to ride to Paris to raise funds for Dreamflight. The attendee riders list was predominantly from the marine industry, and we raised in excess of £35,000. Our intension was always to continue supporting the charity, but due to covid the fundraising stopped.

“Speaking with MDL earlier this year, I understood it was turning 50 in 2023, and the next challenge was born: a 50-year celebration of MDL, with 50 people, cycling 50 miles plus around the Isle of Wight, to raise £50,000 for Dreamflight.

“I put this to the marine industry and have been overwhelmed with the response, and with MDL and Boats Group’s valuable support, we already have teams confirmed from TBS Boats, Bates Wharf, MDL and Tingdene Marinas to name just a few.”

This non-competitive event will start from MDL’s Ocean Village Marina at 08.00 before embarking on a Red Funnel ferry over to Cowes. The charity riders will then follow the IOW Cycle Route from Cowes in either a clockwise or anti-clockwise direction, depending on the weather, with the aim of catching the 16.30 ferry back to Ocean Village Marina for post ride celebrations and libations.

“We’ve still got plenty of space, and everyone’s welcome,” continues Chris. “All you need is a good quality road or mountain bike, plenty of water and lots of enthusiasm. People new to this don’t need to worry, there’ll be experienced ride leaders on hand, and we’ll be stopping along the way for coffee, cake and other important things.”

Anyone interested in taking part in the Marine Industry does the Isle of Wight charity bike ride can sign up on the British Cycling website via https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/events/details/279150/Marine-Industry-does-the-IOW-in-aid-of-Dreamflight

For more information on Dreamflight visit https://www.dreamflight.org

To support the ride and make a donation via the JustGiving page visit https://www.justgiving.com/page/mdl-isle-of-wight-ride-dreamflight-1680097513570

For more information on MDL Marinas and its 50th Anniversary celebrations visithttps://www.mdlmarinas.co.uk/mdl50th/

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