Horsham employee uses pedal power for Barnado’s fundraiser

Business Intelligence Analyst, Becky Osborne, was among 124 SGN employees across the UK who between them cycled 8,200 miles over five days, taking in most of the company’s depots, from as far afield as Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis to Portsmouth on the south coast.

Becky, who works out of SGN’s Sussex depot in Blatchford Road, Horsham, was one of six people who completed five rides over five days, cycling a combined total of 2,394 miles and visiting 11 SGN depots in the south of England.

Asked why she was keen to get involved with the challenge, Becky said: “I saw the bike ride as a great opportunity to raise vital funds for a very worthwhile cause, to test my fitness to the extreme and also to build friendships with people from around the business who I wouldn’t usually get the chance to meet.

“The whole week was a huge success and we finished each day with smiles on our faces. I feel privileged to have been involved in such a great event, and also proud to have personally raised over £600 for Barnardo’s; my sincere thanks to everyone who sponsored me.

“I’d also like to say a big ‘thank you’ to everyone who supported us throughout the week and to those who took part – I had a fantastic week and we’ve already started planning next year’s challenge!”

In addition to money raised through sponsorship, some sites organised their own activities, including Ice Bucket Challenges, a Name the Barnardo’s Bear competition, raffles, cake sales and other social events to welcome the riders home at the end of each day – all geared towards boosting funds even further.

John Morea, SGN’s Chief Executive Officer, said he was very proud to see so many colleagues sign up to take part in the challenge. “We chose Barnardo’s as our first ever charity partner earlier this year because as well as allowing us to support the charity, it would also help us reach out to our most vulnerable customers.

“Along with other fundraising activities, the cycle challenge has already raised £15,000, which will go a long way to changing the lives of the many thousands of children and young adults Barnardo’s helps on a daily basis.”

Rebecca Mitchell at Barnardo’s added: “We are committed to working with the most disadvantaged, vulnerable and neglected children in the UK. The staggering amount of money raised through the SGN Cycle Challenge will go directly to helping these children and our sincere thanks go to all who participated in, or supported, this event.”

Pictured is Becky (5th from right) and her fellow riders reaching the finish line at SGN’s Poole depot.

Report and picture contributed by Southern Gas Networks.