NGK Sales Manager Stuart Bayne has now raised more than £30,000 from his marathon sponsored cycle ride through New Zealand.

Stuart recently completed a 2108km journey from Bluff at the southern tip of New Zealand’s South Island to Cape Reinga, the northern-most part of the country, to raise funds for the Down’s Syndrome Association (DSA).  His journey was made more arduous as he had to alter his route after two simultaneous major Earthquakes struck north of Christchurch closing a number of roads he planned to travel on.

But his fund-raising efforts were rewarded with £23,661.74 being raised for the DSA in the UK and Ireland and a further $11,627 NZ (£6689.70) for the DSA in New Zealand.

Stuart, a 53-year-old father-of-three, said he is extremely grateful for the level of support that he has received, not only from major sponsors NGK but also from many of the company’s customers in all industry sectors, from automotive to horticultural, making specific reference to Key Skills Recruitment (Wellington/Tauranga) in New Zealand and Cobra Garden Machinery for their support.

He said: “I have been overwhelmed by the level of support I have received from everyone and would like to thank all those who have donated to the DSA.”

Marko Wowczyna, Automotive Director, NGK Spark Plugs said, “On behalf of everyone at NGK I would like to thank all our customers who have supported Stuart. We have been raising funds for the DSA at various events all over the country and have received fantastic backing. I would also like to pay tribute to Stuart himself for surpassing his previous incredible achievements.”