Who are The Gill Foundation and why are they supporting Cycling UK’s Routes Appeal?
The Gill Foundation is the charitable foundation of Cycling UK members Martin and Julie Gill and their daughters.
Martin and Julie discovered Cycling UK’s long-distance routes after seeing them featured by GCN. Since then they have ridden King Alfred’s Way, Cantii Way, Traws Eryi, Marcher Castles Way, Rebellion Way and Royal Chilterns Way alongside a series of fellow riders from their local cycle group – SW19 Velo. They have continued to be inspired to support Cycling UK in creating more multi-day routes that help people explore the UK by cycle.
Through The Gill Foundation, they are match funding donations to Cycling UK’s Adventure Series, helping every eligible one-off gift go even further.
Why are The Gill Foundation supporting this appeal?
Martin and Julie want more people to enjoy the same sense of adventure, freedom and discovery they found on Cycling UK’s long-distance routes.
They believe these routes give riders the chance to explore new parts of the country, take in historic places and incredible views, and enjoy a mix of terrain that offers something for a wide range of riders.
They also support the wider impact of route development. As well as creating memorable cycling experiences, new routes can help open up access, connect communities and bring more people into the countryside by bike.
Martin and Julie said:
“These routes should allow riders to explore new parts of the country – enjoying historical sites, seeing incredible views from quiet roads, and riding on a mix of terrain – so there is something for everyone. The routes will also open new sections of lost byways or closed access, to make for new adventures. We are also looking forward to seeing the long distance routes pushing into new locations and hope to eventually see a grand coming together of Cycling UK’s routes into something rather spectacular.”
What does their match funding mean?
For this appeal, The Gill Foundation will match eligible one-off donations, which means every pound donated can have twice the impact.
That support helps Cycling UK design, map and launch new long-distance routes, while also supporting the work needed to secure access and create inspiring rides for future generations.
The Gill Foundation also supported our Marcher Castles Way appeal. With support from donors and matched funding from The Gill Foundation, that appeal raised more than £43,000, helping bring the route to life. Similarly the Royal Chilterns Way appeal, again supported in the same way by The Gill Foundation, achieved a total of £39,000 including a significant level of funding contributing towards Cycling UK’s general campaigns and activities.
Why this support matters
Cycling UK’s long-distance routes are created to help more people enjoy the UK’s landscapes, heritage and quieter ways to ride. They are designed to offer challenge, reward and a real sense of achievement, while also encouraging sustainable tourism and supporting local communities along the way.
By backing this appeal, The Gill Foundation is helping us continue that work and create more unforgettable cycling adventures for years to come.