Chief Operating Officer Bruce Strang, Head of Bid Management and Pre-Sales Carolann Miller, and Solutions Architect Pete Roscamp trained for more than two months for the cycle, which saw them pedal from London to Essex and back within a strict time limit of eight and a half hours on Sunday morning (26th May).
They donned the lycra and successfully reached several checkpoints at their allotted time in order to complete the full distance by 6.15pm.
The cycle ride is not the only physical fundraiser Bruce has been involved in for Right There. Last month (April) he took a break from cycling training to brave the unseasonal rain and the midges for five days to walk the 96-mile West Highland Way from Milngavie in Glasgow to Fort William.
And in September, he will put on his running shoes to take part in the largest half-marathon in the world, the 13.1-mile Great North Run, between Newcastle and South Shields.
Together the fundraisers are on course to raise £3,000, which will be matched pound for pound by Commsworld – making a grand total of £6,000.
The events mark the first full year since Commsworld chose Right There as its first official charity partner. Commsworld is set to extend the relationship for a further 12 months, which is a special moment for both organisations.
It comes as Right There this year celebrates 200 years since it was founded to help children, families and individuals in Scotland by preventing homelessness and people becoming separated from those they love. Meanwhile leading UK connectivity company Commsworld is also marking three decades since the company was founded in Edinburgh in 1994.
Bruce Strang said: “This year is a historic one for both Commsworld and Right There, and it seemed only appropriate to mark the occasion by putting my pain threshold through its biggest test possible.
“The cycle ride was a fantastic achievement for Carolann, Pete and myself. It was Carolann’s idea, and it didn’t take much persuasion for us to come on board. However, I felt that 200 years for Right There and 30 years for Commsworld deserved a ‘triathlon’ effort – so I decided to go solo and also complete both the West Highland Way and Great North Run.
“I am a keen marathon runner, but niggling injuries meant that I decided to stick to both walking and also training for a half-marathon – I hope that in choosing the world’s largest half-marathon, that will still inspire people to dig deep into their pockets.”
Carolann, who is also a non-executive director at Right There, said: “I enjoyed the London to Essex cycle but it was tough. My training, which saw me cycle six miles from my home to work each day, combining an eco-friendly commute with much-needed practice miles, built up the speed and endurance I needed to get me in the best shape possible to pedal the 100 miles in the time allowed.”
Pete Roscamp added: “I love cycling and when Carolann approached me to take part in this Right There fundraiser I jumped at the chance. The London to Essex route was a very challenging one but I was confident we’d make it in time as we’d put in the hours of training, and so it proved. I urge people to go to our JustGiving pages and give generously – it’s for a really good cause.”
Janet Haugh, CEO of Right There, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Commsworld for their support and for choosing Right There as their charity partner. The tireless efforts of Bruce, Carolann, and Pete in raising funds will help us to continue preventing and tackling homelessness, directly benefiting the people we support every day. With Commsworld’s help, we continue working for a Scotland where everyone has a safe and stable place to call home.”
To donate to Commsworld For Right There, click here.
