A staggering £25,000 has been raised for worthy causes across Europe by the Lavendon Group Cycle Challenge.
The eight day test, which ended on the 25th September, started in Alpen, Germany, with cyclists travelling through Belgium and France before finishing the journey in Lutterworth, UK, at the international HQ of the Lavendon Group.
Around 40 employees from the business took part in the Cycle Challenge, including four teams of employees who took to their bikes in relay, with teams comprising individuals from each of the four European territories of the Lavendon Group.
The funds were raised through supplier and individual donations, with the Group also contributing to make up the overall figure of £25,000.
This will be split between each of the countries, with the funds raised going to respective charities of the year which were chosen in employee votes. These are Cancer Research UK, Centre Accueil Alzheimer (Belgium), Enfance et Partage (France) and Dolphin Aid (Germany).
Each country will also be holding prize draws and raffles giving away the five bikes used in the event. Nationwide Platforms, the Lavendon Group’s market leading business in the UK, will be choosing two winners from the names of donators on its Just Giving page and fans on its Facebook page.
Emma Dicken, Learning and Development Consultant (Continental Europe), Lavendon Group plc, was tasked with organising the fundraising challenge. Speaking on the completion of the event, she said: “Each of the eight days of the event brought together the business to achieve something very special. To get through the Challenge and reach our final goal we had to work closely as a team and overcome all obstacles as a group.
“On the way we’ve seen new friendships formed, new experiences shared and a brilliant sense of team spirit emerge. I’d like to thank everyone who took part and donated to the cause to help us achieve something remarkable for the business as a whole.”
Don Kenny, Chief Executive, Lavendon Group plc, said: “The Lavendon Group Cycle Challenge has been a truly exceptional success. Throughout our business we place great value on team work, commitment and striving to achieve new feats at every level. All of these things have been clear to see in the eight days of cycling.
“In addition to that, the funds raised for very worthy causes will go to making a huge difference. The staggering amount of £25,000 is a direct reflection of the hard work of those employees who took part in the Cycle Challenge, whether they were on a bike, in a support vehicle, or behind the scenes.”
Last year the business raised more than £10,000 for the Lighthouse Club when five of its UK based employees cycled between Nationwide Platforms’ depots in Aberdeen and Liskeard. Further events are set to be announced for 2013
Read back on the daily events of the Lavendon Group Cycle Challenge by visiting the UK blog at: www.nationwideplatforms.co.uk.