TONY SETS THE PACE IN 300 MILE 3 DAY CHALLENGE

A senior manager at Northern Bank is set to embark on the challenge of a lifetime which will see him cycle over 300 miles across Northern Ireland in 3 days, all in aid of local charity – the Ulster Cancer Foundation (UCF).

Tony Wilcox, Northern Bank’s Managing Director of Retail & Private Banking, is setting off on Wednesday 30th May on a ‘Town to Town Tour’ beginning and ending in Coleraine.  In total he will visit 33 Northern Bank branches over the three days. 

The challenge is in aid of the Northern Bank’s charity partner, UCF, with all money raised going to the charity’s Family Support Service.  This free service provides a vital lifeline to children and young people when a parent or grandparent is diagnosed with cancer.  

Looking ahead to the start of the challenge, Tony Wilcox said “The challenge is undoubtedly going to be difficult but I am very much looking forward to getting out on the road and visiting so many branches, towns and customers along the way.  My goal is to bring Northern Bank staff and customers together in order to raise as much money as possible for this really invaluable service which has already helped so many families acrossNorthern Ireland.” 

Joyce Savage, Head of Appeals & Marketing at UCF added, “We are absolutely delighted that Northern Bank staff have come up with yet another innovative fundraising initiative.   This is a wonderful way for staff and customers to get involved and we wish Tony all the best as he prepares for the challenge ahead.

“Thanks to the continuing support of Northern Bank and its staff and customers over the last two years we have been able to extend our Family Support Service.  We have also employed an additional member of staff to ensure that families get the support they need immediately rather than joining a waiting list.”

Northern Bank branches will be supporting Tony before and during his cycle challenge, helping to raise enough money to bring the fundraising total from January to June 2012 to over £100,000.  This will build upon the £150,000 already raised by Northern Bank staff and customers in 2011, in aid of UCF’s Family Support Service.

Northern Bank is calling on all customers to come out and support Tony as he cycles through towns and cities across the province, as well as lending their support to the countless fundraising activities taking place in Northern Bank branches right across Northern Ireland.