Wheels set in motion for sponsored bike ride

Jul 23 2008 by Peter McCusker, The Journal

KIND-hearted bosses at a North East IT firm have driven to the aid of an ex-soldier by raising funds for servicemen injured in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Former Royal Marine commando Stephen O’Connell, who runs Advantex Network Solutions Ltd in Houghton-le-Spring with brother Dave, provided a free company van, fuel and logistical support to former Grenadier Guardsman Andy Shannon for a sponsored cycle ride.

Chester-le-Street born Andy, together with seven other serving and former guardsmen, got on their bikes to cycle the 280 miles from Wellington Barracks in London to Waterloo in Belgium to raise thousands of pounds for The Colonel’s Fund Grenadier Guards.

The charity provides financial support and comfort for serving and former guardsmen and their families, including the dependents of 37 soldiers killed or injured on the regiment’s last tour of Afghanistan in 2007.

Advantex sales and marketing director Stephen said that as a former soldier he was more than delighted to help.

“Our servicemen are doing a fantastic job in Afghanistan and Iraq, so as an ex-Royal Marine I was delighted to be able to help what is an extremely worthy cause.

“The support provided by The Colonel’s Fund Grenadier Guards is vitally important and much needed. I wish the lads all the very best for future fundraising efforts.”

Andy, a former guardsmen who now works as a technical manager at Executel, said: “I would like to say a big thanks to Advantex for all their help and encouragement. We simply couldn’t have done it without them.

“Also, thanks to those who participated or sponsored us, whose commitment and enthusiasm has enabled us to raise nearly £6,000 so far. We are hoping to raise £8,000.”

Set up five years ago, Advantex specialises in supplying and supporting IT networks and cabling, including state-of-the IP, CCTV systems used for monitoring, access and security purposes.