In a remarkable display of teamwork and dedication, 28 employees from London Gatwick, led by CEO Stewart Wingate, embarked on a challenging three-day, 300km bicycle ride from the airport to Paris, raising over £37,000 for charity. The event, held from May 10 to May 12, saw participants from diverse roles at the airport, including engineers, security officers, and firefighters, unite for this noble cause.
The journey commenced early on a Friday with a 105km ride to Newhaven, followed by a ferry crossing of the English Channel. The team then biked 127km through France’s picturesque countryside on the second day. The final leg of the journey involved another 105km segment, culminating at the iconic Eiffel Tower. As part of the VINCI Airports network, the cyclists continued the next day to the VINCI Group headquarters in Paris, where they were warmly welcomed and celebrated by Xavier Huillard, Chairman and CEO of VINCI, and Nicolas Notebaert, CEO of VINCI Concessions.
The funds raised will directly benefit SASH Charity, Air Ambulance Kent Surrey Sussex (KSS), and Gatwick TravelCare. SASH Charity supports sick children and their families in Surrey and Sussex, and the donations will transform essential rooms in their children’s ward, including a treatment room at East Surrey Hospital and a new family room. The funds will also cover fuel costs for KSS, enabling them to continue providing vital medical services to those in need. Additionally, Gatwick TravelCare, which supports distressed passengers, including victims of human trafficking and those who miss flights, will receive significant funding.
London Gatwick ensured that all expenses related to the event were paid for, allowing all raised funds to go directly to the charities, including £7,000 in match-funding from the airport itself. Contributions are still being accepted on the official fundraising page.
This cycling challenge is a testament to the commitment of London Gatwick and its employees to making a positive impact in their local community. The funds raised will directly support these vital charities, enabling them to continue providing essential services and making a meaningful difference in the lives of those they serve. The airport has a long-standing tradition of charitable giving, and this event is a continuation of that commitment. London Gatwick remains dedicated to supporting local causes and creating a positive legacy in the communities it serves.
