The Wimbledon office of Close Brothers recently elected to raise funds for stem4 as part of their ongoing local charity initiative. In order to mark the beginning of their commitment, a brave group of their employees embarked on a 50-mile cycle ride down to Brighton. 

At the helm of the Close Brothers troop was ‘chef d’equipe’ Mark D’Ambrosio, who oversaw the organisation of the event. Mark and his team of 15 arrived ready and raring outside their office in the early hours of the morning where they were joined by family, friends and stem4’s IT project manager Yvette who described the riders as ‘fantastic’ after seeing them off.

 

Close Brothers cycle team in Wimbledon

 

The Close Brothers employees, who had given up their Friday for the charity, then cycled downwards south all the way through until the afternoon. Combining such a long distance with the task of navigation, the journey was by no means easy, but each and every one one of them eventually made it to the finish line at Brighton Pier! The riders then made their way to Close Brothers’ Brighton office, where there were some well-deserved refreshments to greet them. Anna, stem4’s communications coordinator, was delighted to be able to meet some of the riders after completion, saying, “I was so impressed with Close Brothers team, not only had they completed such a mammoth cycle ride, but they had enough energy at the end to ask some great questions about the work we do at stem4, building the foundations for a great relationship between us all.”

 

Close Brothers cycle team in Brighton

 

Some of the riders even doubled their challenge by cycling back again after the reception in Brighton! The total amount raised is yet to be announced but everyone at stem4 is extremely grateful for their efforts. 

If you’re interested in fundraising yourself, please see our fundraising page.