A group of accountants and business advisors has set off on an epic cycle from Aberdeen to London, in aid of charity.
35 people from KPMG donned their lycra and took to the saddles yesterday to raise vital funds for their UK national partner charity, the NSPCC.
The Wheely Big Cycle Challenge will join up KPMG’s offices throughout the UK, including its three Scottish bases, in Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow. In total 146 riders are taking part in the event, in an effort to raise more than £1.5 million to help NSPCC provide assistance and support to hundreds of thousands of children.
The route starts in the Granite City, before taking in Dundee, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Galashiels. From day 5 onwards, the team will continue its journey throughout England, ending with a celebration event at the firm’s Canary Wharf headquarters in London on Wednesday 3rd July 2019. Riders can take part in sections of the challenge, or test their stamina with the entire 1,020 mile route.
Catherine Burnet, Senior Partner and head of KPMG in Scotland said: “It’s been amazing to see just how many KPMG colleagues have got behind our fundraising efforts for the NSPCC.
“We chose to work with the organisation because we’re focused on playing an active role in the communities we’re based in, and the work the charity does preventing abuse against children, and assisting victims of cruelty, is truly inspiring.
“Many of the riders are really testing their stamina and fitness levels, and it demonstrates how much passion we all feel for raising as much money as possible, and helping the NSPCC continue to deliver vital support and services throughout the country.”
Tim Hughes is one of the riders swapping spreadsheets for saddles. The graduate trainee set off from Aberdeen, and is taking on the entire route to London. Before embarking on the challenge, he said: “Taking part in the Wheely Big Cycle Challenge has been a big personal step forward for me.
“Last year, I went through some very challenging personal circumstances and found my motivation levels were dropping. Training and preparing for this event has given me something really positive to focus on. My mental and physical health have improved and I’ve found it really inspiring taking part in something bigger than ourselves, that has such a significant positive impact on young people here in Scotland, and throughout the UK.”
Katie Bruce, Corporate Partnerships Manager at NSPCC in Scotland, added: “We’re really proud to work with KPMG and so grateful for the support of colleagues across the UK.
“Every mile ridden and pound raised will have a huge impact in our fight to help every child reach their potential, free from abuse and neglect. Thank you KPMG and all the Wheely Big cyclists!”
Pictures: Abermedia
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