Expleo, a global technology, engineering and consulting service provider, is today announcing its fifth annual Tech & Engineering Teams Cycle Challenge. The company plans to raise £25K for NSPCC and Air Ambulance Northern Ireland (AANI) at this year’s event on Saturday, 27th May, bringing the total sum raised through the cycle challenge to £130K.
After a three-year hiatus, Expleo’s biggest annual charity fundraiser is back. This year’s event features more than 100 cyclists from technology companies based in Northern Ireland, with esteemed cyclist John Madden leading the group. With the choice of a 40km or 80km course, participants will start and end their journey in Ballygally, Co. Antrim, while taking in the breathtaking views of the Causeway Coastal Route and The Glens on the way.
Since its inception in 2016, the Cycle Challenge has raised £105K, with all proceeds going directly to NSPCC. This year’s challenge will also see AANI benefit from the initiative. To date, the funds raised have allowed NSPCC to deliver its Speak Out, Stay Safe message to 60,521 school children in Northern Ireland, providing them with knowledge to stay safe from abuse and neglect. Additionally, the funds will sustain AANI’s rapid air response services, aiding in urgent medical assistance to save lives in the NI region.
The sportive will see local pharmacy chains providing aid and a local retailer supplying nutrition. Spirit AeroSystems, Liberty IT, Energia, PwC, Allstate Northern Ireland and Telefónica Tech are long-term supporters of the event and will be involved. Additionally, Splash Community Projects UK, Pharmacy Plus and Championship Ireland have recently joined to lend their support to the event.
Event organiser, Rob McConnell, is Expleo’s Director, Head of Expleo NI and an NSPCC Northern Ireland ambassador. He said: “We are thrilled to bring back our annual charity cycle event and are delighted to have renowned cyclist John Madden join us once again on this ride. This is a community event for the whole family, and we’re proud to have the support of local businesses and organisations.
“Charities have faced unprecedented challenges in recent years, with the pandemic hitting them hard. Our cycle provides an opportunity for participants to not only raise funds for important causes, but also to prioritise team bonding and personal fitness. Our goal is to expand this event to an even larger scale and encourage other companies to join us in giving back to our communities. Every little bit helps, and we hope that this event will raise awareness, help answer more calls, and provide vital support to those in need.”
Stefani Mearns, Supporter Fundraising Manager, NSPCC NI, said: “We are delighted to have the support of Expleo for the fifth year with their Tech Team Cycle Challenge. The event has gone from strength to strength and is a testament to Rob and the team at Expleo for all their work hard and commitment.”
“Thank you also to all the teams who participate and support the event and in turn, all raise crucial funds to enable the NSPCC to be there for children and young people right here in Northern Ireland when they urgently need our support. We are so grateful to Rob for his continued support to NSPCC Northern Ireland and for joining us in our Fight for Every Childhood.”
Grace Williams, Area Fundraising Manager for Air Ambulance NI said: “We are so grateful to Rob and the team at Expleo for organising such an incredible event – A lot of hard work and effort has gone into planning this cycle and we are so touched they have chosen to support us in this way. We are really looking forward to the event and would encourage anyone thinking about taking part, to get a team together and sign up today!”
“The funds raised will help the medical team lift off by helicopter to reach future patients, wherever that may be in Northern Ireland. This is very much a service that no one wishes to need but is there for every one of us. As a service we rely heavily on charitable donations to keep the medical team in the air, delivering critical care to patients who have suffered trauma throughout Northern Ireland – without this type of support, the team simply couldn’t fly. Every single penny counts.”
Expleo welcomes all technology and engineering teams in Northern Ireland to take part, regardless of their cycling experience. To register for the Expleo Tech & Engineering Teams Cycle Challenge 2023, email cycle@expleogroup.com.