Networks First in fight against prostate cancer
Channel peloton succeeds in cycling challenge despite Silverstone cancellation
Six Networks First employees have completed a 110-mile Stratford-to-Stratford cycle ride in aid of a charity fundraising to fight prostate cancer.
Diane Walden, the mayor of Stratford-upon-Avon, welcomed Phil Hook, Donna Hall, Paul Lewis, Nick Creed, Lewis Gibson, and Jamie Osborne (pictured above, LtR) to the town on 15 September at the end of the two-day challenge, for which they have managed to raise £3,100 so far.
Originally, the team had meant to ride in the Silverstone 24-hour Cycling Challenge on the same dates but after it was cancelled, they decided to try the Stratford-to-Stratford ride instead.
Sallie-Ann Allen, head of operations at Network First and a support crew member for the peloton, said the event was on the company's doorstep in the Midlands and thus was an excellent choice for the team.
"Prostate cancer is a cause close to our hearts at Networks First, so choosing a charity to support was simple. If detected in its early stages, there is a high chance of successful treatment. We are proud to be raising much-needed money for Prostate Cancer UK to support the great work they do," Allen said in a statement.
The ride began at the Olympic Velodrome in Stratford, East London on 14 September, breaking after 55 miles for an overnight rest at the Stoke Mandeville Stadium Hotel – a site used in the Paralympics, and continuing on to the Town Hall in Stratford-upon-Avon the next morning.
The peloton included staff from Networks First's operations, consultancy, service desk, logistics and accounts teams – and all "trained hard for their public debut in lycra", according to the company.
Their goal is to raise £5,400 and donations can be made via JustGiving by clicking here. They also sold sponsorship including advertising space on their cycling uniforms, which were donated by Avnet NetApp.
"Networks First would like to thank ENER-G, I-COM, Your Event Stay, BasePlus, Blackberry Design, Sync Life, Amillan, Cygnia, ip-Xchange, Fleet Alliance, and Kingsley Financial Planning for their support and all the donations received to date," the statement said.