Former Royal Marine commando Stephen O’Connell, who runs Advantex Network Solutions Ltd with brother Dave, provided a free company van, fuel and logistical support to former Grenadier Guardsman Andy Shannon for a sponsored cycle ride.

Andy, together with seven other serving and former guardsmen, got on their bikes to cycle the 280 miles from Wellington Barracks in London to Waterloo in Belgium to raise thousands of pounds for The Colonel’s Fund Grenadier Guards.

The charity provides financial support and comfort for serving and former guardsmen and their families, including the dependents of 37 soldiers killed or injured on the regiment’s last tour of Afghanistan in 2007.

Advantex was set up five years ago and specialises in supplying and supporting IT networks and cabling including state-of-the IP (Internet Protocol) CCTV systems used for monitoring, access and security purposes.

Sales and marketing director Stephen O’Connell said that as a former soldier he was more than delighted to help.

“Our servicemen are doing a fantastic job in Afghanistan and Iraq, so as an ex-Royal Marine I was delighted to be able to help what is an extremely worthy cause.

“The support provided by The Colonel’s Fund Grenadier Guards is vitally important and much needed. I wish the lads all the very best for future fund raising efforts.”

Event organiser Andy Shannon, whose a former guardsmen but now works as a technical manager at Executel, said:

“I would like to say a big thanks to Advantex for all their help and encouragement. We simply couldn’t have done it without them.

“Also, thanks to those who participated or sponsored us, whose commitment and enthusiasm has enabled us to raise nearly £6,000 so far. We are hoping to raise £8,000.”

“It’s good to know that, as a former guardsman I’m able to help those from my old regiment who are less fortunate than me.”

Cycling alongside Andy Shannon were Geoff Clampin, Steve Penney, Malc Mayoh, Darren Smith, Andy Jackson, Chris Hildrup and Tom Schofield. Admin support was provided by Pete Hales, Pete Nixon.

More about the Colonels Fund Grenadier Guards at  www.thecolonelsfund.com, while anyone wishing to donate can do so at www.bmycharity.com/V2/grenadierslondontowaterloo

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Note to editors

Now employing 35 people, Advantex will break through the £2 million sales barrier this year – making it one of the fast growing firms in its sector in the region. Customers include Egger UK Ltd, Nissan, furniture retailer SCS, Caterpillar Articulated Trucks, NSK Steering and Simpson’s Malt. Advantex achieved the prestigious ISO9001/2000 industry quality mark within its first year of trading.

Visit www.advantex.uk.com for more information.       

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Contact: Stephen O’Connell, Advantex Network Solutions Ltd.
Tel: 0845 222 0666.
Fax: 0101 584 7096.
E-mail: steve@advantex.uk.com