Bright and early on a Sunday morning (6 October), a team of colleagues from across CUK travelled from Southampton to Buckingham Palace to take on The Prince’s Trust’s annual Palace to Palace cycle challenge, a 45 mile route through Richmond Park and the Surrey countryside before finishing in Windsor.
So far the team has raised a fantastic £6,630 … and there’s still time to show your support for your colleagues and The Prince’s Trust and sponsor the team.
A huge thanks and congratulations to the following members of Team Cunard who did a sterling job in fundraising:
Brodie Hanley-McIntosh, Matt Laud, Robert Scott, Gareth Reast, Gareth Bowen, Daniel Weight, Steve Angel, Paige Briscoe, Emma Rogan, Nicola Berry, Becky Lester and her son Dexter Lester, Edward Dieusaert, Tom Axton, Mike Goulding, Richard Tregaskes, Neil Christopher, Aiga Jansone, Graeme Pointer, Lucy Kelly, Gemma Scarff, Alex Sowerby, Gavin Atcheson, Dave Hudson, Sarah Lindley, Stanka Chvalova, Cecily Howden, Chris Peck, Brian Harrison.
We caught up with some of the team to find out what they most enjoyed about Palace to Palace and why they took part this year – here’s what they had to say:
Cecily Ashford – Superintendent – Facilities Projects & Planning:
It was an amazing experience and a real team effort; I thoroughly enjoyed it! Thank you to you all for organising and cheering us on, couldn’t have done it without the support team”
Gemma Scarff – Senior Business Manager, Sales Planning & Direct Partnerships:
Big thanks to Chloe and Nicola for making the event happen and for all the support and organising – I absolutely loved it! Buzzing for next year already!”
Aiga Jansone – Manager, Maritime Environmental Regulations:
This was my first cycling event as I’m not a big cyclist and only recently have taken up cycling to work! The experience was unforgettable! The route was beautifully scenic, taking us through picturesque countryside and charming villages, all the way to Windsor Castle. What a route for my first cycling event, combined with a worthy cause! I thoroughly enjoyed the ride including the stops at the refreshment stations. Although we did not stay together as one big group, throughout the ride there was a great team spirit giving encouragement to one another as we stopped at the stations or passed each other. Towards the end as we ascended on our final climb, we had to dig deep but it was well worth it, crossing the finish line was a moment of pure joy and accomplishment. The sense of community and energy as we crossed the finish line was incredible. I cannot wait to participate again next year.”
Becky Lester – Senior Management Accountant, Capital Planning:
So proud take part with my son Dexter, who was only just old enough enter! This was our first ever cycle event and thoroughly worth it to raise money for The Prince’s Trust. The scenery was incredible, the event was very well organised and hope to do it again one day!”
Sarah Lindley – Category Manager, Sustainability, Procurement:
This was huge personal achievement for me. I’ve never participated in an event like this before, feeling so fit and ready. Training and completing the cycle has done so much for my personal wellbeing and confidence. I thoroughly enjoyed it and am so proud to have raised money for the Prince’s Trust. Thank you to everyone who generously sponsored me. Looking forward to joining the team again next year!”
Lucy Kelly – VP, Strategy & Exec Planning:
What a fantastic event! Great to get to know colleagues from other areas of the business and support each other on the way round. Wore my Cunard event t-shirt with pride, and amazing to raise money for a worthy cause”
Also, further congratulations are in order for Sarah Lindley who received a golden jersey from The Prince’s Trust for being 8th out of the top 10 fundraisers on the day. Sarah raised a whopping £1,315!
