A team of 31 have given up a night of sleep to raise money for children from across Essex cared for by Little Havens Hospice.
The 24-hour static bike ride began at 7am on Thursday 21st November in the offices of Athona Recruitment, Brentwood. Athona employees chose Little Havens Hospice as a Charity Partner of the Year and we aim to raise £10,000 for the charity which cares for children with life-limiting illnesses, and their families. Team members took to the saddle in throughout the 24 hour period, with the first and final cyclist being, Kelly Logsdail, who finished at 7am on Friday 24th November.
To keep them going through the early hours of the morning, staff belted out their favourite songs and Christmas tunes and snacked on Haribo, whilst many members of staff took to the bike wearing onesies to keep warm.
Elizabeth Gladen, Marketing Manager at Athona said:
“The hardest part of the challenge was in the early hours of the morning, when everyone was getting a bit cold and tired, but we soon picked ourselves up with a round of Lionel Richie’s ‘All Night Long!’ I think we gave the cleaners a bit of a shock when they came in this morning!
We’ve really enjoyed raising money for Little Havens. It’s been amazing for team engagement, has got new members of staff talking to each other and has really boosted morale. Our legs are all a bit stiff now but it all feels worthwhile knowing we’ve raised money for children and families in our local community.”
The 24-hour biking team have collectively raised over £800 and donations can still be made.
Little Havens Corporate Fundraiser, Lydia Plews said:
“Athona have so much planned over the next year it’s brilliant. At Little Havens, the care we provide for seriously ill children is free of charge and it’s all about making every day count for them and their families. That wouldn’t be possible without the support of businesses like Athona.”
Athona Recruitment are also entering a team into the charity’s festive fundraising race, Run Santa Run which takes place at Little Havens Hospice in Thundersley on Sunday 8th December as well as organising a Great Gatsby themed Charity Ball next year.
To find out more about Little Havens, which is part of Havens Hospices please visit: www.havenshospices.org.uk.