SRAFF from Vistry Partnerships have jumped on their bikes to raise money for Mind.
Staff from the leading regeneration business were challenged to complete the Vistry Velo – a 1300km virtual cycling route around all nine Vistry Partnerships offices across the UK, reaching the finish line ahead of World Mental Health Day on 10th October.
The event had been designed so that participants could cycle as many, or as few, miles as they wanted, from a gentle ride with the family to a rigorous 50 mile stretch across the countryside. Added bonuses were offered to staff members who cycled past as many Vistry Partnerships developments as possible.
Having set an initial fundraising of £2,000 per office, staff in Warrington collectively raised more than £2,100, which contributed to an overall fundraising pot of £30,000.
The efforts were led by Vistry Partnership’s Project Manager, Dave Smith, who cycled more than 90 kilometres, whilst in total 16 staff members took part.
British World Champion Paracyclist Jon Gildea also joined in with the initiative to raise money for Mind by contributing his daily cycling miles to the team’s total, and he visited the Warrington office to show his support.
Stephen Teagle, Chief Executive of Vistry Partnerships, cycled from the Partnerships office in Exeter to the Linden Homes site in Cranbrook. Commenting on the event, he said:
“Once again I am immensely proud of my colleagues across the country who have raised another significant amount of money in aid of our charitable partner Mind. This year has been particularly challenging to mental health, both in the work place and at home, and as we enter a second national lockdown it’s more important than ever that we do what we can to help support charities like Mind so they can keep providing outstanding services. Congratulations to everyone who took part.”
Emma Ihsan, Head of Corporate Partnerships at Mind, said:“We thank Vistry Partnerships for raising a fantastic sum for Mind through their Vistry Velo campaign. This year we have seen mental health decline across the country. More than one in five adults experienced poor or very poor mental health for the first time, so the demand for our services is increasing. The money Vistry Partnerships has raised could help fund Mind’s online peer-support community, Side by Side, which has over 132,000 registered members. This will help ensure that everyone with a mental health problem gets support and respect.”