INEOS team at Saltend saddle up to raise vital funds for Motor Neurone Disease Association

DONATION: Members of the INEOS Acetyls team at Saltend handing over a cheque for £1,000 to the Motor Neurone Disease Association

By Rick Lyon

A team of 25 employees from the INEOS Acetyls manufacturing base at Saltend Chemicals Park near Hull have raised vital funds for the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association.

The group set out on a 21-stage cycling challenge, covering more than 20,000km, to support the Hull and East Riding branch of the association.

The charity funds research, improves care and provides support for people with motor neurone disease.

The INEOS Acetyls business at Saltend is the largest producer of acetic acid, acetic anhydride and ethyl acetate in Europe. It is also home to the business’s global technology development and support team.

The fundraising efforts of the Saltend team were part of a wider campaign by global chemicals company INEOS inspired by the INEOS Grenadier team’s efforts in the iconic Tour de France road race.

A record number of employees from across its network of offices and manufacturing sites raised a total of £122,000 for local good causes.

A total of 2,569 employees covered a combined distance of 1,283,865km under the challenge – the equivalent of cycling more than 32 times around the world.

INEOS donated £1,000, or the equivalent, to the local charity nominated by each of the 122 teams.

Chris Shepherdson, Relief Team Leader and Saltend Team Captain, said: “Our cycling team consisted of 25 members of staff from across a range of departments at the Saltend site.

“There was a mix of abilities and it was fantastic to see some staff take up cycling for the first time in many years.

“The team did really well to complete the challenge and we’re really pleased we are able to support the Motor Neurone Disease charity in the local area.”

Clare Salter, Community Fundraising Manager for the MND Association, said: “Without the amazing support of organisations like INEOS, hosting incredible challenges like their Virtual Tour de France Cycle Ride, the MND Association simply would not be able to provide its vital support services, fund research to find a cure and campaign and raise awareness of MND.

“Together, we are making a real difference for people affected by this devastating disease and we’re so grateful to them.”