Banking professionals rising to pedal power challenge to support Dove House Hospice

One of the region’s favourite charities has launched a new fundraising challenge which will see staff from seven banks and building societies set out to cycle hundreds of miles without leaving Hull city centre.

Dove House Hospice is tapping into the friendly rivalry between the teams, who are aiming to boost the charity’s funds with sponsorship and donations from passers-by when they take to the streets between 10am and 4pm on Thursday August 21.

Jonny Bottomley, Partnership Development Fundraiser for Dove House, said: “We’ve held cycling events before but this type of event is a first for us and we hope that it provides a great platform to raise the funds to support people in their darkest of times — offering comfort, dignity, and compassionate care when it’s needed most

“Some of the banks have supported us before, others are getting involved for the first time and from talking to them it’s clear they’re all very competitive, which hopefully is good news for us.”

Teams will be taking part from the city centre branches of Lloyds, HSBC UK, Skipton Building Society, Handelsbanken, Halifax and Barclays, with Metro Bank also joining. Bikes have been loaned by Coyle Health & Wellbeing, PureGym and Woodford Leisure Centre.

Jonny said: “There’s no limit to the number of people in the team or to how many sessions each rider can complete. The winner will be the bank which, in theory, has pedalled the furthest.

“Some of them might be novices, others rather more experienced. From a fundraising angle we obviously hope they are super fit and can set a strong pace and clock up hundreds of miles.”

James Gray of Handelsbanken said: “We’re delighted to be supporting Dove House Hospice with this challenge. They provide essential, amazing care to the local community and we’re happy to be helping such a great cause. Naturally working with and competing against fellow banks to raise valuable funds adds a fun element and I’m sure we’ll all pull together to make it a success.”

Sarah Heavey of HSBC UK said: “Dove House Hospice is such an important resource in the local community caring for thousands of patients and their families each year but this comes at a cost. It’s really important that we, as a whole community, support charities such as this to ensure that they can continue to do their great work for years to come.  

“Banks play a key role in the communities which they serve so it’s great that HSBC UK can partner with some of our competitors to raise funds for such a great cause.  I of course have no doubt, based on HSBC UK’s ability to act at pace to support our customers that we will deliver the best performance both on the bike and in raising funds!!!”

Kerry Drewry of Skipton Building Society said: “We are always looking for ways to support great charities and local communities. Dove House is instrumental in the support they provide to families in need and we are proud to get involved to support Dove House,. We are all really looking forward to taking part in the bike ride challenge.”