10th June 2021, London – His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales has kick started this year’s ‘Palaces on Wheels’ cycling event, a fundraising initiative by the British Asian Trust. HRH The Prince of Wales, Royal Founding Patron of the British Asian Trust, started the cycling challenge, leading over 30 cyclists out of Highgrove. The event will see cyclists endure a unique 420km / 250 mile route that will see them visit some of the UK’s most iconic Royal Households and Palaces over four days of cycling.
HRH The Prince of Wales was joined by British Asian Trust ambassador and actor Sanjeev Bhaskar, and met with the cyclists at Highgrove, ahead of setting them off on their four day journey. Whilst speaking with the cyclists, HRH The Prince of Wales wished them well ahead of embarking on a route which will include Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle.
The cyclists then proceeded to start their fundraising challenge, with traditional Indian Dhol drummers paving the path out of Highgrove, providing ample ambient sounds to rally the team as they set off on their journey, led by HRH The Prince of Wales.
British Asian Trust ambassador Sanjeev Bhaskar said: “It’s an honour to be here and to support this initiative by the British Asian Trust. I’m in awe of this brilliant group of supporters taking part in Palaces on Wheels, four days of cycling over 400km is a mighty challenge but the cyclists are raring to go and raise money for the Trust’s vital work in South Asia. I’m particularly impressed that His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales will himself kick start the journey, leading the cyclists out of Highgrove. Alas I couldn’t find any bicycle clips in my size or I would’ve joined him.”
The event will see over 30 participants, who are raising funds for the British Asian Trust’s vital work in South Asia, cycle over four days through some of the country’s most iconic landmarks, natural treasures and idyllic rural locations. The funds raised will help millions of the poorest people whose lives have been devastated by COVID-19. The event carries on from previous cycling events from the British Asian Trust, which has seen British cyclists travel through Sri Lanka, India, Tanzania and Cambodia over the years. This year’s ‘Palaces on Wheels’ will see cyclists at home for the first time.
The team will be led by Rohit Chadha, a supporter of the British Asian Trust and founder of the event. He said: “On behalf of all the riders, donors, sponsors, we are in the privileged position of making life-defining changes for those in real need, which truly is a humbling honour. Since 2016, with the incredible support and patronage of HRH The Prince of Wales, we have raised in excess of £1 million to date but the work is never done. This month we hope to add significantly to that total with our latest ride – Palaces on Wheels – in the UK for the first time”.
The itinerary will begin in the heart of the Cotswolds at Highgrove, the residence of HRH The Prince of Wales, Royal Founding Patron of the British Asian Trust, and will head through the spectacular Cotswold Area of Natural Beauty.
The route continues through Oxford towards Windsor Castle and on to London to Buckingham Palace. The next day begins with the famous Tower of London, heading north towards Cambridge, with the final day seeing the riders celebrate finishing the event at the iconic Sandringham.
Richard Hawkes, Chief Executive, British Asian Trust, says: “This is another fantastic initiative put together by a team of avid supporters of the British Asian Trust. We have thoroughly enjoyed supporting these incredible cycling tours over the years and this year to have the event coming home feels extra special. ‘Palaces on Wheels’ is a unique opportunity that will take in some of the country’s incredible Royal landmarks whilst raising money for the most vulnerable communities in South Asia.”
During the four day event, the cyclists will be joined by British Asian Trust celebrity ambassadors who will be cheering them on during various stops along the route, whilst ambassador and BBC Radio 5Live presenter Nihal Arthanayake will be participating as a cyclist.
The event has been sponsored by Gulf, Luxlo, Vitabiotics, Inbrit, Hayfield Homes, Squire & Partners, Curzon PR, MSM Investment Advisers SA, J Hayward & Son, Courthouse Hotel, Business Green NetZero, Trusted Reviews, Mulberry, Axian, Luma, Edwin Coe, Lee Valley, Storesafe and Vascroft Contractors Ltd.
For more information, please visit https://www.britishasiantrust.org/support-us/fundraise-for-us/palaces-on-wheels-2021/
Follow the ride on Instagram @palacesonwheels2021 and Twitter @theBATPoW and hashtags #BATPow #BritishAsianTrust #PalaceOnWheels #CharityBikeRide #ItsComingHome
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For more information, please contact [email protected] or [email protected]
Notes to Editors
To donate please visit https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/palaces-on-wheels
About the British Asian Trust
The British Asian Trust wants to see a South Asia that is prospering and fair for all. Our work supports large-scale, sustainable solutions that enable poor and marginalised people to achieve their full potential. Since we started in 2007, we have had a positive impact on the lives of almost 5 million people in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. By enabling our supporters to turn their values into action, we transform lives. Together we support a South Asia that is better for all.
