We are cycling from London to Paris in support of Action for Children and their work with vulnerable children and young people across the UK.

Since 2018, FirstGroup has partnered with Action for Children to support vulnerable young people on their journey to better mental health.

With the help of FirstGroup, Action for Children were able to support more than 111,000 to improve their mental health and wellbeing last year and our support is more important now than ever before. It is reported that 1 in 6 school-aged children have a diagnosable mental health problem – a significant rise from 1 in 8 before the pandemic. 

Together, we can drive positive change for thousands of children and young people in our local communities.

3 towers – 11 cyclists – 227 miles – 3 days

In May 2022, eleven colleagues and friends from across the UK will be taking part in their very own Three Towers Challenge.

Setting off at 9am on Thursday 19^th May 2022, we will travel 78 miles from Elizabeth Tower (Big Ben) in London to Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth, before catching an overnight ferry to Caen in northwestern France. Traveling 81 miles east, we will reach Evreux on the evening of the 20^th May, before cycling the final 68-mile leg of our journey to Eiffel Tower on the 21^st May.

We need your help

We can only make this a success with the support of our friends, family and colleagues. We kindly ask that you make a donation to support the vital work of Action for Children. Here is how your donation could make a difference:

• £100 could train six members of Action for Children staff to be able to intervene and support a young person who is at risk of suicide
• £60 could pay for three young people who are experiencing mental health problem to have a trip to the zoo
• £30 could train a member of staff to support a young person experiencing grief and loss
• £10 could pay for a young person who might not otherwise be able to afford it to participate in an enriching activity

Cyclists:

• Jane Reakes-Davies, Managing Director, South Wales
• Mark Jacobs, Head of Operations, South Wales
• Richard Slaney, Head of Procurement
• Caroline Wilde, Project Management/Program Manager
• Lee Grunshaw, Stores Manager, South Yorkshire
• Ray Mason, Driver, South Yorkshire
• Scott Taylor, Health & Safety Business Partner,  West of England and Wales
• Jon Tivey, Head of Environment
• Paul Yates–Smith
• Sarah Delaloye-Dean
• Ian Warr

Testimonials

Here’s what some of us had to say:

"I recognise the work that Action for Children does to support vulnerable young people with mental health concerns. Being a father to my ten-year-old son helps me to recognise the importance of the charity’s work and how it relies on fundraising to provide the extensive services. I wanted to do something that was personally challenging and helping organise this sponsored ride means I am doing my bit to support this worthy cause.” – Ian Warr

“When I was asked to help put this ride together, I was delighted to help. It is very important for me to give something back for all the pleasure cycling has given me. Knowing that I could help the riders and such a worthwhile charity made it easy for me to say yes. I have even been supplied a single speed frame to do the ride on as I have always wanted to reach Paris with just one gear. Of course, that now commits me to the harder challenge of using this bike; I just hope they opt for a flatter route or I will be in trouble!” – Paul Yates-Smith

“I started cycling during the lockdown and I have enjoyed being in the great outdoors. I saw the London to Paris ride as a personal challenge, but also as an opportunity to help others by raising funds for Action for Children. If this ride can help one child, we will have achieved what we set out to do.” – Mark Jacobs

“Having increased my cycling routine through lockdown and wanted to challenge myself to something more significant. Our relationship with Action for Children  and the great work they do in our local communities makes them the choice for me to work with." – Jane Reakes-Davies

The work of Action for Children is incredibly important to all of us, and we’d really appreciate any support you can provide - we can’t do it without you.

Thank you.