The 11–strong group of cyclists began from TalkTalk Business’ contact centre in Preston on Friday, and arrived at the company’s headquarters in Shepherd’s Bush, London around 2pm yesterday, after first visiting the charity’s headquarters in Muswell Hill.
Raj Kalia, director of major projects, organised both this year’s and last year’s tour, leading the cycling-convoy on both occasions. Completing the ride, he said: “some of us had misgivings about extending the length of our route by an extra 40 miles this year, but I think we’ve all been really pleased with how the last few days have gone. However - don’t get me wrong - we’re exhausted!
“We’re incredibly grateful to all our sponsors – they’ve made the weekend’s efforts more than worthwhile for both us and Ambitious about Autism.”
On the team’s efforts, Anne Shinkwin, Director of Fundraising at Ambitious about Autism, said: “We were delighted to meet the team on the home straight – it really brought home the efforts that all cyclists had gone to. We can’t thank them enough for what they’ve done this weekend. It’s a huge accomplishment!”
The ride was organised as part of TalkTalk Business’ Giving Something Back initiative, a scheme which allows all of TalkTalk’s 3,500 staff to take a day out of their normal schedule to help local and national charities, including British Red Cross, Marie Curie and the Prince’s Trust.
Charles Bligh, TalkTalk Business’ Managing Director, said: “We’re all incredibly impressed with – and proud of - the team’s efforts.
“We hope they rest up and look forward to seeing them back at work so we can personally congratulate them.”