Cyclists from Beard have raised over £36,000 to support Youth Challenge Oxfordshire’s (YCO) mission to help young people develop their confidence and personal resilience.
The inter-office cycling challenge saw 19 of our colleagues cycle 285 kilometres between each of our five offices, with five more joining for individual legs.
We were fundraising for Oxfordshire based charity YCO which aims to help people aged 13 to 21 to overcome challenges and develop resilience and confidence through accredited learning, residentials, skills-based sessions and social activities.
Their programme helps to address challenges including mental health, social isolation, a lack of confidence and aspiration. The money raised could help fund a place for 42 young people on the 18-month YCO Programme, comprising of weekly sessions, residential trips, community volunteering and fundraising events.
Annie Robertson, Project Director for YCO
Starting in Southampton, the Beard team cycled the 77km to their Guildford office and then a further 89km to Oxford on day one. Day two saw the peloton cycle 40km from Oxford to Swindon, and finally 79km from Swindon to Bristol.
Static bikes were also set up at each office, with each team challenged to collectively cover the same distance over the two days. Prizes were awarded for the highest distance covered, fastest sprint, highest number of sessions, and ‘The Riders’ Rider’ as voted by colleagues.
Mark Beard, company Chairman
The Beard Charitable Foundation (BCF), the Beard family charitable organisation, match funded the total raised by supporters. The BCF exists to support local charities with strong focus on young people and is managed by the Oxfordshire Community Foundation.
You can hear from some of the Tour De Beard participants, and from YCO representatives, in this video.
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