Pedal Power for our hospice

A team of 11 cyclists completed the London to Brighton bike ride on Sunday, 15 September in aid of Haven House Children’s Hospice.

Neil Leahy, Michael Woolley, Rory Patterson, Chris Marsh, Bradley Gale, Ralph Cox, Scarlett Louka, Nicholas Bowerbank, Dan Lion, Damien Barnecutt and Arhon Ankhkara completed the 55-mile route on one of the warmest days of September.

Participants set off south of the capital, down into the beautiful countryside of Surrey and Sussex, up to the stunning views of Burgess Hill summit and then down to Brighton’s seafront where they were met with a symphony of cheering and applause from the crowds.

So far, the team have collectively raised an incredible £5,000 for Haven House so that we can provide specialist care for seriously ill children and their families.

Sophie Bragg, Haven House’s Events Fundraising Officer, said:

I’d like to say a massive thank you to all the cyclists for taking part in this challenge on behalf of Haven House. Every penny raised helps us support children and their families facing the toughest of times. We are truly grateful to all the Haven House champions who took part. Their dedication and commitment means we can continue to be a lifeline for hundreds of local families.

Among those taking part were staff from Butler & Stag Estate Agents. Neil, Michael, Chris and Bradley from the firm on Forest Drive, Theydon Bois raised £2,500 by taking part in the popular bicycle challenge.

As well as giving our clients and customers a first-class service we like to give something back to local community projects and charities that need our help. Our philosophy is simple.

Neil Leahy, managing director, of Butler & Stag

Woodford Green businessowner Dan Lions also completed the ride. This is the first of a string of challenges he and his team are undertaking in a bid to raise £1,000 for Haven House.

Dan, owner of Holiday Designers, said:

We operate an established and successful independent travel business locally and feel it's important to give something back to the community.

We are working with Haven House because of the incredible work they do. We will be really pushing the limits with what we have set ourselves both as a team and individually, but we remain focused on raising our target and nothing will stop us.