The group set off from Battersea Park last Thursday (16 June) in the bright morning sunshine, bracing themselves for the record high temperatures. Over the course of the next three days, temperatures hit highs of 38 degrees and there was little respite in the evenings, meaning additional rest stops were encouraged to escape from the heat.
The cycle ride was similar to the Essex to Amsterdam challenge Harry Baker completed for Kids Inspire last year. Both were organised for the charity by Chapeau Events.
The three-day, 200-mile trip had three stages: Day 1: London to Newhaven and a boat to Dieppe (distance 61.1 miles, climb 3,231ft); Day 2: Dieppe to Beauvais (distance 73 miles, climb 2,728ft); Day 3: Beauvais to Paris (distance 71 miles, climb 3,685ft).
The team arrived at the Eiffel Tower together having first cycled in convoy around the Arc de Triomphe.
All riders had a commitment to raise £1,500 each for Kids Inspire and were encouraged to seek donations and sponsorship through Just Giving. Donations can still be made at: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/steveandharrybiketoparis.
The Bakers were joined on the ride by Dave Walsh, a long-term family friend. The retired city worker had a different fundraising idea and offered to work at Baker Labels for six weeks in return for a donation to Kids Inspire.
Walsh said he loved his stint with the company, but decided against making his role in the despatch department permanent. Instead, he has chosen to come out of retirement and move to Paris to work.
Steve Baker said: “Kids Inspire is an excellent charity that we have supported for over 10 years so anything we can do to help boost their funds is minor in comparison to the work they perform, many thanks to everyone for all the donations so far!
“This was a serious challenge and I’ll admit I was a bit worried on the first day after hitting the hills of the South Downs that it would be a challenge too far. We were really well looked after by the Kids Inspire and Chapeau teams though and built a great team spirit over the course of the event.
“Finishing with a circuit around the Arc de Triomphe with encouraging honking horns from Parisian commuters was a real highlight, along with completing the course alongside Hazza – making memories!”
To date, Baker Labels has donated almost £50,000 to Kids Inspire since moving to Brentwood, Essex in 2011 and more than £150,000 to charities and good causes in that time.
A family business established by Roy and Marian Baker in 1973, Baker Labels currently employs 112 staff and has a turnover of £12m.
