Tour De W&T – A 210 mile cycle challenge to launch our Charitable Foundation
To kick start the launch of our Charitable Foundation we set ourselves an ambitious challenge; to cycle the 210-mile distance between the Wills & Trusts Wealth Management offices in just three days, whatever the weather, whatever the experience level of the cyclist.
From 24th to 26th June, fifteen of the team took on the challenge, each completing the 210 miles to raise as much money as possible for our chosen four hospice charities. Each charity was local to at least one of our office locations, and each had a meaningful, deeply personal connection to one or more of our team.
Day one saw the team pedal from Ashby-de-la-Zouch, where our new office is rather aptly located within a former family run cycle shop and local landmark ‘Shellbrooks’ – we actually named the office Shellbrook House to honour this family legacy. Arriving just in time for lunch, the tour made its way to our office in the beautiful Warwickshire town of Henley-In-Arden. From Henley, still with relatively fresh legs, the team were back on the road to conclude the day in Moreton-in-Marsh.
Leaving the Cotswolds on day two, the tour weaved further down the country, finishing the day in our next office location, Winchester. Lining up by Winchester cathedral, having tackled some tough climbs on the way in, the team were relieved to now be over halfway to their 210-mile target.
Rising early, the final leg on day three tested the already sore legs of the cyclists, however, in high spirits they made their way back to our HQ in Thame, Oxfordshire. They were met with cheers, and cooled refreshments 210 miles later, and over £14,000 raised for charity.
The event, set to become an annual endeavour, was a great opportunity to get the team active and training after a period of countrywide lockdown and limited access to the leisure activities of ‘normal’ times – which made getting, and staying fit, no easy feat. It was also a real team bonding experience, building friendships, and fostering even closer teamwork through the shared challenge.
Wills & Trusts Wealth Management Chief Operating Officer, Stuart Payne, summarised the experience:
“I am really proud of the W&T team and the charity money raised. Inspiration for the event was to do something fun and worthwhile, a combination of getting staff together after lockdown, a challenging and ambitious event to train for and, importantly, all for a good cause.”
“It epitomises the values of our organisation: a yes mindset, energy, loyalty and caring… And it’s not just the cyclists, it’s the organising, the supporting and the team back at the office covering whilst the cyclists are out on the road. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the challenge, and I am sure will want to do it again!”
With the finish line acting as our metaphorical ribbon cutting to mark the opening of our Charitable Foundation, we are excited to impact the lives of many through the giving of time, money and resources in the months and years to come. Follow our progress at www.willsandtrustsfoundation.com
Miles cycled: 210
Amount raised: £14,400
Charities supported:
- Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity: https://www.fnhospice.org.uk/
- Helen & Douglas House Children’s Hospice: https://www.helenanddouglas.org.uk/
- St Giles Hospice: https://www.stgileshospice.com/
- Winchester Hospice: https://winchesterhospice.com/
Read more:
Wills & Trusts Charitable Foundation: www.willsandtrustsfoundation.com
Wills & Trusts Wealth Management: www.willsandtrustswealth.com