Michael Wakeling, Alastair Frew and James Spreckley from Lodders will take part in the London to Paris Cycle Challenge, as part of the Lodders Charitable Foundation’s fundraising efforts this year.

The Foundation’s Trustees have chosen CLIC Sargent, the UK’s leading cancer charity for children, young people and their families, as the sole beneficiary, and the cycling trio would like to raise as much money as possible for this great cause.

They will join more than 100 cyclists for the start of the four-day ride when it leaves Crystal Palace National Sports Centre on the 24^th July, on the first 95-mile leg of the tour to Dover, and the ferry to Calais. 

Once in France and over the following three days, they will cycle from Calais to Abberville, skirt the River Somme and head to Beauvois, before the final leg on day four to Paris, and the finish line at the Eiffel Tower.

The trio aim to arrive in time to witness the end of the Tour de France in Paris – one of Europe’s greatest cycling challenges – which is on the 28^th July.

Lodders became aware of CLIC Sargent after James Spreckley,
experienced its support first-hand.

“Last year, my eldest daughter Sophia was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma at the age of 15,” explains James. “It is the news every parent fears, and left the whole family in a state of shock.

“From the outset, CLIC Sargent provided us with a dedicated nurse, who supported the whole family and helped with both our practical and emotional needs.

“I am very pleased to say that following six months of chemotherapy, Sophia has returned to school and is doing all the things a teenager should do. But we are now all too aware that many others are undergoing treatment and relying on the care and support of CLIC Sargent.

“The London to Paris bike ride is our way of giving something back to this amazing organisation, which does so much for so many children and their families.”

Michael Wakeling and Alastair Frew have taken part in various charity cycle challenges over the years, but this is ‘the big one’, as Mike explains:

“This is the perfect challenge for me and my road bike riding colleagues, but more importantly a high profile event and an excellent flagship fundraiser which will, I hope, mean we can raise significant cash for Lodders Charitable Foundation and in turn CLIC Sargent charity.”

Alastair adds: “My father spent his working career as an NHS Consultant haematologist, helping save the lives of children like Sophia. This challenge really matters to me. As keen amateur cyclists, we are all excited to be taking on the London to Paris challenge, and hope that with support from our clients and friends, we will be able to
raise several thousand pounds for CLIC Sargent.”

Lodders launched its Charitable Foundation in 2016 with the aim of supporting regional charities where a real difference can be made, reflecting the firm’s longstanding commitment
to its local communities.