Le Tour de Boswell stops in for a Newbury coffee

The charity ride was raising money for Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund following the death two years ago from the disease of Boswell’s founder Jeremy Burn.
Brothers Matt, Nick and Tim Burn all took part in the event which began on Wednesday, August 20, and arrived in Newbury two days later.
Earlier in the month, all 15 Boswell cafés had been raising money for the charity with local “spinathons,” including at Newbury, where customers were encouraged to cycle on static bikes to raise funds.
The managing director of Boswell Café Nick Burn, who is originally from Kintbury and now lives in Boxford, said: “This was our toughest leg. We had 50 miles to get to Newbury and it was extremely hilly on the way.
“We were absolutely shattered by the time we got to the café at 12.30pm, but we had an amazing response when we did arrive, from both local residents and the local shops.
“Newbury was probably the strongest reception we had and it gave us a buzz to keep going. We had a really enjoyable experience, but it was really tough; a real physical challenge.”
Maggie Blanks, the CEO of the Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund, said: “Le Tour de Boswell has been such a phenomenal success.
“The 400-mile journey of the core cycling team was impressive enough, but I was really touched by the way that all Boswell’s staff – and their customers – got into the spirit of the occasion, taking a turn on the spinathon bikes and creating such a wonderful atmosphere.
“Everyone involved in Le Tour should be very proud of what they’ve achieved.
“We’re extremely grateful for this support – the money raised will be put to excellent use in funding the very best UK research to find and develop new treatments for pancreatic cancer.”
So far the café chain has raised around £35,000 for Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund, just short of the target of £40,000.
However, with five more spinathons to go before September 27, Nick Burn is optimistic that they will achieve this target in time.