On the 12th October an intrepid group of Deutsche Bank (DB) colleagues from London and Frankfurt, embarked on a 4 day sponsored bike ride from the DB Canary Wharf office to the DB Frankfurt office.  The team, with a range of cycling experience and ability, set off and collectively cycled a distance of some 470 miles (755km).  Some pedaled all 470 miles, with others achieved their own personal targets.  Our objective is to raise upwards of £50,000 for Cure Leukaemia one of DB's Charities of the Year.

Please watch the following video: https://youtu.be/b0VWhaNKpL4

Each person has their own story as to why they are doing this.  Below are a few of those, with further stories to follow.

Turlough McArdle - I am a keen cyclist but also like all sorts of physical challenges, taking part in many cycle sportives and other events over the years.  I am also a great believer in having fun while performing any challenge with the exception of singing.  Cancer impacts a great many lives and has impacted my own family and many of my friends and their families in various ways so I had no hesitation helping out to raise awareness and funds for a worthwhile cause.

Taraa Muralitharan - I chose to ride as it's for a great cause and it would be an amazing achievement completing the journey across to Frankfurt.  Having said that, the last time I rode a bike was around 10 years ago on the cobbled streets of Bruges being chased by pigeons, so for me this will be no doubt a challenge, but one I am looking forward to conquering.  Fingers crossed I keep the bruises to a minimum!!

David Heasman - I am cycling nut, so I couldn't resist signing up to another event when David and Nigel suggested a ride to Frankfurt (not sure my wife is so pleased - 5th even this year).  It's for a cause that has obviously affected them very personally and if I can help raise money by suffering through some pretty long days on the bike then it feels like the right thing to do and hopefully we have some beers en route and enjoy the banter.

Paul Durant - As a father of 4, I know how lucky I am that they are all currently healthy.  I'm also acutely aware of how quickly this can change.  My first child was very ill at birth and without people fund-raising he wouldn't be here today so it's important to me to help others.  The challenge appeals to me as I am, unashamedly, a MAMIL (Middle Aged Man in Lycra) which is obviously cheaper than buying a sports car!! My target is to cycle the whole way, but I will bring a copy of Auto Trader to read on the broom wagon just in case...

Annabelle Waddington - Although I'm not an avid cyclist (yet!), I couldn't resist the urge to take part in this latest crazy challenge as well as fundraising for an amazing charity.  Cure Leukaemia is a cause very close to lots of people in our team and I know that this experience will create a great sense of achievement for all of us.

David Keen - Last Christmas we found out that our 2 year old granddaughter has leukaemia.  Devastating news to receive and something that makes one reappraise a lot of things in life.  What has been constantly amazing throughout has been the resiliency of Autumn, the strength of her parents and the absolutely amazing job that the doctors and health carers do supporting her and others on a daily basis.  Cure Leukaemia supports the development of new drugs and treatments for patients with blood cancer and so is a charity that I am fully committed to supporting.  The ride should provide a real challenge to complete, an opportunity to get lots of money and have a bit of fun at the same time.

Turlough McArdle - I am a keen cyclist but also like all sorts of physical challenges, taking part in many cycle sportives and other events over the years.  I am also a great believer in having fun while performing any challenge with the exception of singing.  Cancer impacts a great many lives and has impacted my own family and many of my friends and their families in various ways, so I have no hesitation to help out and support Cure Leukaemia to raise awareness and funds for a worthwhile cause.

Andreas Berning - I am cycling because a friend of mine recently lost her battle against cancer leaving behind a 6 year old boy. 

Geoff Thomas - I was diagnosed with Leukaemia in 2003 a year after retiring from football.  Since recovering, I spend my time fund raising for various charities and have taken part on a few cycling challenges such as; London to Paris, 2,200 miles in 21 days and all 3 grand tours.

Tim Dutton - I am undertaking this challenge because a certain David Keen put my name in the hat and told me later.  Nonetheless I am very much looking forward to the challenge, camaraderie and banter.  I've even bought a bike and started training!

Nigel Collier - In February 2017 my nephew Kieran passed away from the effects of Leukaemia at 22 years old, having fought and given everything to try and beat the disease for over 2 years. Kieran was a Chemistry student at Sheffield University and my family have direct experience of the devastating impact Leukaemia can have on patients and loved ones.  I know for certain every penny raised will be going to a fantastic cause!  I'm not really a cyclist but I will be training hard and cycling my heart out in memory of Kieran and all other Leukaemia victims.

Dieter Hoffmann - My father died of cancer at the age of 56,  which might not have happened with proper health protection.  This event should help to make people aware of the importance of regular cancer screening and check-ups.

Ashok Kumar - A very close friend of mine passed away suddenly and after it was diagnosed that he was in very advanced stage of blood cancer.  I have seen first hand how this impacts the family.

James Moffatt - This seemed the perfect opportunity to give cycling a go and see a bit of Europe, whilst raising money for a great cause.  Though, as the details have come out it appears far more of a challenge than I first thought, so any sponsorship to help motivate during the inevitable dark time will be much appreciated.

Gillian Kinnear - I spend way too much time on two wheels so instead of spinning round Surrey I thought I'd put my km's to good use and support a good cause that has affected two colleagues in a very personal way.

Ian Seymour - With very few bike trips since my cycle proficiency test many decades ago, this truly is a challenge! Experiencing family stories and hearing many more from friends and colleagues on the impact of this form of cancer really does provide the motivation to get involved and fundraise. Whilst I don't anticipate cycling every mile of each of the four stages, when not on the road, I'll be supporting every member of the team with their own personal challenges. I am sure, we'll follow the Cure Leukaemia mantra, putting the fun into fundraising.

Ami Howse - How could I not, it is such a great opportunity to challenge myself whilst raising money for such a worthwhile cause.  Having been touched by cancer, albeit of another kind, I know how vital all research into this disease is.  My mother had breast cancer a couple of years ago, we were lucky it was caught very early and she made a full recovery.