In May, four members of our Procurement team took part in one of the most memorable (and unusual) charity challenges we’ve ever seen—cycling 200 miles from Gateshead to Perth while towing an actual fridge.
The event, organised by GAP Group North-East, was part of a fundraising effort for Changing Minds – Pick up a Penny, a fantastic charity supporting adults and children with mental, physiological, and therapeutic services.
Representing Valpak:
- Dan Stokes
- Jim Armitage
- Jonathan Williams
- Paul McCaig
These four joined an intrepid team of riders for what would become four days of sunshine, detours, e-bike drama, and one incredibly steep final climb.
Day 1: Gateshead to Alnwick – 53 miles
The tour set off from GAP’s existing fridge plant in Gateshead, with the team aiming to end the journey at their new facility in Perth, Scotland.
The challenge began early. Just five miles in, a broken pedestrian lift at the Tyne Tunnel meant the team had to quickly reroute. What could have been a 20-mile detour was smartly avoided by hopping on the North to South Shields ferry—a quick-thinking move that saved time and morale.
From there, the ride took in stunning coastal scenery via Tynemouth, Whitley Bay, and Blyth, before reaching Alnwick Castle, where the group wrapped up the first day. Honorable mention goes to ex-Valpak colleague Nigel Tomlinson, who endured a few tumbles but powered through like a champion.
“The e-bikes were definitely more about the journey than the speed,” joked one rider, after missing the ferry and photo op of the day.
Day 2: Alnwick to Kelso – 48 miles
Day two brought hills, mud, and the first border crossing—from England into Scotland.
The route may have been picturesque, but it wasn’t without its challenges. The e-bikers (and their batteries) found themselves navigating boggy terrain better suited to tractors than tyres, while the road bike contingent wisely doubled back to find safer ground.
Dr. Sara Young from Changing Minds unintentionally found the only muddy puddle on the entire track—adding some comic relief to an otherwise calm day.
Crossing into Scotland, Jim’s bike unfortunately gave up the ghost. But every setback is an opportunity—and Jim quickly embraced the comfort of an e-bike for the rest of the tour.
Day 3: Kelso to Musselburgh – 55 miles
With aching legs and 100+ miles behind them, Day 3 tested the team’s endurance. Dan geared up to tow the fridge but was saved by a technical issue with the hitch, passing the duty to Jim and his newly adopted e-bike.
Later in the day, Jonathan took the reins (or handlebars?) for fridge-towing duty, bringing the team into Musselburgh ahead of schedule.
Paul joined the group here, refreshed and ready for the final “glory leg”—and the steepest climb yet.
Day 4: Musselburgh to Perth – 46 miles
Day four began with coffee between the bridges and a slightly battered but still-functioning fridge.
Paul took over the final towing role, powering the fridge over the old bridge and onwards through Perthshire. A few final bumps occurred (possibly inspired by Bradley Wiggins) but the fridge, like the riders, was still standing.
The ride ended with a daunting final push up Binn Hill, a stretch so steep that even trucks struggle. The group formed a peloton for the final climb, led by Peter Moody, and crossed the finish line together in style.
A ride with purpose
In total, the Tour de Fridge raised over £15,000 for Changing Minds – Pick up a Penny.
We are proud to have been part of such a creative and meaningful event. A huge thank you to the GAP Group, all the riders, support teams, and of course the trusty fridge that held on all the way to Perth.
