A gruelling 200-mile cycle ride has raised £10,000 for the NSPCC thanks to colleagues at Northamptonshire-based social landlord Platform Housing Group.
The two-day challenge on 18–19 June saw riders tackle scorching summer heat as they pedalled through Worcestershire and Shropshire in support of the children’s charity. The ride was part of Platform’s ongoing commitment to the NSPCC, which became its corporate charity partner in April.
Four main kit sponsors — construction company Hardyman, sustainable facilities management provider Equans, fire and security specialists Sunfish Services, and law firm Browne Jacobson — each donated £1,000, with additional backing from Gratton Construction, Hickman Associates and Trust Ford. The sponsors’ logos featured on the riders’ jerseys, helping raise awareness as well as funds.
“We are over the moon to have raised such a significant amount for our corporate charity,” said Gerraint Oakley, chief growth and development officer at Platform Housing Group, who also took part in the ride. “It’s testimony to the generosity of our sponsors and the dedication of the team. The heat made it tough, but £10,000 makes it all worthwhile.”
Every £4 raised could help answer a child’s call or message to Childline, while £5 could help pay for a practitioner to respond to an NSPCC helpline enquiry. Since announcing the partnership, Platform colleagues have already taken part in marathons, skydives, craft sales and other challenges, with more fundraising events planned.
Anita Hill, corporate partnerships manager at the NSPCC, said: “Organisations like Platform really make a difference to charities like ours. We are truly grateful — working together we will help keep children safe.”
The NSPCC has been working to prevent cruelty to children since 1884 and provides a range of services to protect and support those most at risk. Platform’s volunteer fundraising committee is leading the charge to raise as much as possible over the two-year partnership.
