Ride with the Gills a huge success as over 200 people come out to show its support for Take Heart Mercy Mission
Ride with the Gills proved a magnificent success on Saturday with over 200 riders taking part to help raise money for the club's official charity partner, Take Heart Mercy Mission.Riders were split in to eight different teams, all of which captained by either the Chairman, the Manager or a current/former player.
Conal Austin and John Simpson, both medics from the Evelina Children's Hospital in London and trustees of Take Heart Mercy Mission, also took part.
On arrival registration took place before participants posed for a range of photographs, with the flag dropping at exactly 11.45am as entrants made their way down Redfern Avenue towards Medway Park.
Amazingly it took just 75 minutes for the first person to return to MEMS Priestfield Stadium- Adam Birchall crossing the line to give Team Legend Hessy a deserved victory.
Danny Kedwell's team were not far behind with Stuart Nelson's group coming home third.
Paul Scally and Peter Taylor arrived half an hour later after a competitive ride around the streets of Medway.
On return all riders were given a medal and a bottle of water after riding in some of the hottest temperatures recorded so far this year.
Club Captain Adam Barrett said: "It was good fun, everyone was in good spirits and had a laugh - it was really enjoyable.
"The charity is close to the club and the Chairman and it's important we all show our support.
"It's a fantastic cause and it doesn't just help the children but the families involved aswell.
"Everyone had a smile on their face, there are a few tired bodies but we all enjoyed it."
Matt Fish added: "I thought I'd won but me and Joe were just helping them along and enjoying the view - it was a good ride!
"Birchy came in first and I knew I could have beaten him!
"Everyone did it properly, it's for a good cause and everything went well."
Danny Kedwell, who was close to sealing victory for his team said: "I was just behind Birch but it's a bit of training for me - I really enjoyed it.
"When they said at the start it's not a race, we are footballers and we want to win!
"The Chairman must be happy - the club have done well to organise it and I'm pleased to have been a part of the ride."
You can see the best of the action using the photo gallery at the top of the page.