One year on from the sad and untimely death of David Pinnington of Omnicom Media Group (OMG) to cancer, a team of former colleagues and friends are setting off on an epic 300 mile cycle ride in his name. Cycling from Land’s End to London to raise money for the Royal Marsden Cancer Hospital seems a fitting tribute for David – known as Dave or Pinners to most –who was totally fanatical about sport, both at work and play.
The ‘Pinners’ Marsden Epic Cycle’ was the idea of Bart Michels, CEO of WPP-owned global brand development and marketing insight consultancy Added Value, who has recruited a team of six equally sports-mad marketers and directors to join him. This includes CEO of direct response and relationship marketing agency WDMP, Gavin Wheeler, along with David’s two brothers Tom , Director at The Sports Consultancy and Phil, Managing Director at a packaging firm. Michels and Wheeler both worked with David at cable company NTL (now Virgin Media).
Michels says, “Pinners was a man on a mission in life and was an infectious, boundless well of positivity and energy. I wanted to channel some of that and do ‘something stupid’ to keep the flag flying for him after more than a year had passed from his death. I know he would have jumped at the chance of doing a challenge like this – and would be highly amused at the idea of seven big men in small shorts getting on their bikes in his name.”
David Pinnington’s career spanned many years in marketing, media and communications. As well as his role at NTL, he spent a number of years heading up global media and sponsorship integration at Vodaphone, and was head of sports marketing at OMG before being appointed as EMEA managing director of Fuse, the network’s sports and entertainment unit.
Team Pinners have already raised over £8,500 but is aiming to reach £10,000. To make a donation go to http://www.justgiving.com/pinners. Wheeler adds, “We’re doing this for Pinners and his family to remember a truly top bloke – but any donations people make will also help us to help those people in the future who are unfortunate enough to need the incredible support that The Royal Marsden provides”.
The challenge is a self-funded, unsupported trip, which means the team have to carry all their own baggage and equipment, plus navigate the route for themselves. If a search party is needed, they’ll let you know!
The Pinners’ Marsden Epic Cycle starts on Thursday 15th May and you can follow the trip on Twitter: