Photo - Alan Mak MP hosts Peter McQuade and his family at Westminster
Havant MP Alan Mak welcomed Peter McQuade to Parliament after the Hayling Island resident was awarded his MBE at Buckingham Palace on Friday 14 May 2016.
Mr Mak presented the Hayling charity cycling organiser with a certificate to commemorate the awarding of his MBE in the 2016 New Years’ Honours List. Mr Mak supported the ‘Herculean effort’ made by Peter over the last 30 years to raise money for good causes in his Hayling to Paris cycle ride.
The Havant MP praised Peter’s organisation, and even more remarkably completion, of 30 annual charity bike rides from his home on Hayling since 1986. Mr Mak backed Mr McQuade MBE as a ‘shining example to us all’, having raised over £1.5m for more than 500 worthwhile causes, and a credit to Hayling and the local community.
The 31st ride will leave Portsmouth on Sunday 10thJuly 2016, travelling through Rennes and Laval before arriving in Le Mans on Wednesday 13th. From there, the tour will work its way back to the traditional finish at Caen on Friday before a hop over the channel for the processional ride back onto Hayling Island on Saturday 16th July.
The event is designed to be open to all, with optional short and long routes on most days enabling anyone with a serviceable bike to take part in the bike ride.
Havant MP Alan Mak said: “Congratulations to Peter for his well-deserved MBE. I was delighted to welcome Peter and his family to Parliament after his visit to Buckingham Palace! He is an immense source of pride for Hayling and his charitable and fundraising record is outstanding.”
Mr Mak added: “The Hayling to Paris cycle is a remarkable success story, built upon Peter’s hard work and the enthusiasm of local residents and volunteers. I urge all readers to support Peter and his colleagues to build upon the terrific £1.5 million they have already raised.”
Peter McQuade MBE said: “I was delighted to accept Alan’s invitation to visit Parliament after I collected my MBE. While I am personally proud to receive an MBE, I am very conscious of the fact that a lot of people made a contribution to the Paris to Hayling during the past 30 events and would also see this award a recognition of their contribution.”
Mr McQuade added: “I’m greatly looking forward to the 31st ride, my enthusiasm for them has not waned! There’s plenty of fun on the way and we’ll be raising money for a worthy cause at the same time.”