Four intrepid staff from global asset management firm BlackRock
are to cycle from Edinburgh to London, covering approximately 400
miles in just two days, in preparation for the ride of their lives
in September. The brave quad will be cycling 3,200 miles from the
firm's San Francisco office to their New York base in just 13 days
to raise money for The Prostate Cancer Charity.
Paul Meyers, 43, David Shaw, 43, Justine Smeal, 35, and Lee
Woodyard, 24, will set off from BlackRock's Edinburgh office on
Monday 25 July, spinning into BlackRock's London headquarters on
Tuesday evening. The extreme cycling challenge is the final
fundraising feat for BlackRock, who picked The Prostate Cancer
Charity as their Charity of the Year.
Since the partnership began in June 2010, employees at the asset
management firm have raised more than £185,000 through a variety of
events and challenges. Staff have hosted dinners, organised race
nights and male employees grew impressive mo's for Movember, the
sponsored moustache growing event, which takes place annually in
the month formerly known as November.
Both rides look set to be the toughest challenge yet for Paul,
David, Justine and Lee, who are all keen riders. The gruelling US
ride will see the brave foursome clock up to 260 miles per day in
their bid to reach the Big Apple in just 13 days. To meet the
challenge they will be riding unsupported in relay with one rider
on the road at a time, with the three other team mates following in
an RV. The team will be relying solely on each other for driving,
navigation, and bike repairs.
The Edinburgh to London ride is an important warm up for the
group and they will be relying on the support of their Scottish
colleagues when they set off on Monday.
Paul Meyers, Director, Business Operations at BlackRock said:
"The idea for the US ride came about over a coffee machine
conversation that David and Lee were having, and with a glint of
madness in the eyes a team was put together. Twelve months on we
are now at the nervous end of the planning, but we are all very
excited about the challenge ahead and the funds we will be able to
raise for such a good charity. The Edinburgh to London ride is a
great way for the team to connect our UK & US offices and we
look forward to the support and send off from our colleagues in
Edinburgh."
The Prostate Cancer Charity's Director of Fundraising, Mark
Bishop said: "BlackRock have truly embraced the partnership with us
and have gone over and beyond the call of duty with their
fundraising efforts. They have raised an incredible amount of money
for the Charity - more than any other group in the UK. We are
hugely grateful to all of BlackRock's employees who have got
involved, especially Paul, David, Justine and Lee who are going to
extraordinary lengths to support us. We wish them all the best of
luck, just thinking about their ride makes me feel tired!"
To make a donation visit: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/BlackRockCyclesAmericaSeptember2011