Can you join us in supporting The Talbot Association in 2026?
It’s true! Our Chairman, Jim Rowan, is getting back on his bike having accepted the call to join the Foodservice, Wholesale & Convenience sector riders tackling the 2026 Cycle Challenge on a mammoth 400km journey through Sri Lanka in March.
After the incredible success of his trek across Tanzania in 2025, it may seem mad but Jim is back in training and committed to matching or even bettering the achievements this year.
Ahead of the Challenge, we are delighted to announce that our new 2026 charity partners and the good cause that Jim will ride in aid of are The Talbot Association.
"A place where compassion leads and no-one is left behind"
The Talbot Association is an under-recognised charity based in Scotland, yet it is the largest provider of residential services in Glasgow for people experiencing homelessness. Established in 1970, the Association has spent over five decades supporting some of the most vulnerable people in the city, providing safe accommodation and vital support delivered with compassion, dignity, and respect.
Named in honour of the Venerable Matt Talbot — widely regarded as a patron of those struggling with addiction — the charity stands alongside individuals facing the complex realities of homelessness, addiction, mental ill-health, social isolation, and long-term instability. At the heart of Talbot’s work is a deep commitment to person-centred, trauma-informed care, where people are treated first and foremost with humanity and understanding.
Building on this strong foundation, The Lighthouse Project is a new internal initiative within The Talbot Association, designed to extend this support beyond crisis and towards long-term wellbeing, confidence, and a renewed sense of purpose. The project offers gentle, supportive pathways that help people move from surviving to thriving —creating opportunities for connection, learning, volunteering, and, where appropriate, employment.
In essence, The Lighthouse Project reflects the evolution of Talbot’s mission: not only to provide shelter, but to help illuminate a path towards healing, stability, and a more hopeful future.
It is incredible work that The Talbot Association carries out with discretion and in selecting them as our new partner, we hope to raise the awareness the organisation deserves. Throughout the year we will be supporting them through event-based food sponsorship, including community gatherings and seasonal events.
Learn more about our charity partner
Join Us!
We are inviting our valued suppliers, customers and wider network to join us on this initiative by sponsoring Jim’s efforts in an opportunity to support a great cause, whilst gaining exposure across our network.
If you would like to support Jim and our charity partner on this remarkable journey, you can do so by heading to the JustGiving donation link below.
Any support, big or small, is hugely appreciated and alternative sponsorship can be made in the form of stock donations. We’d love to discuss how we can work together to make this a success.
Donate to The Talbot Association
About the Cycle Challenge
The 2026 ‘Bikes Against Bombs’ Cycle Challenge is organised by MAG (Mines Advisory Group) International - this time tackling a demanding five-day ride across Sri Lanka.
Jim and the group will cycle from the western coast in Negombo, deep through the heart of the island, before finishing in Passikudah, a beautiful coastal town in the east. The route will cover approximately 406km and will be a true taste of endurance over steep hills and rough terrain - all under the intense heat of tropical sun!
MAG are a UK-based charity operating in over 35 countries, working to remove and destroy landmines and unexploded bombs. By doing so, they make communities safer and give futures back.
Jim’s flight and accomodation costs of participating have been covered by Dunns along with a donation to MAG. You can also support this incredible cause here.
Donation Links:
