Lodders trio raise £6k for charity after conquering London to Paris cycle

Three partners at local law firm Lodders have raised over £6,000 for young people’s cancer charity CLIC Sargent after cycling 310 miles.

The firm’s Michael Wakeling, Alastair Frew and James Spreckley took part in the London to Paris challenge, cycling for a total of 25 hours over four days, enduring record temperatures of 47 degrees centigrade out on the roads.

Fundraising effort

The challenge was part of the Lodders Charitable Foundation’s fundraising efforts this year. CLIC Sargent, the UK’s leading cancer charity for children, young people and their families, was chosen by the Foundation’s trustees as the sole beneficiary.

The ride began at Crystal Palace National Sports Centre on the 24^th July, with the first stop at Dover for the ferry crossing to Calais, then Abberville, Beauvais, before the final leg on day four to Paris, and the finish line at the Eiffel Tower.

Real Estate partner Alastair Frew says: “Lodders’ ‘Team Pink’ was one of several teams taking on the London to Paris cycling challenge. Cycling around seven hours each of the four days, day two was the biggest struggle as temperatures soared to 47 degrees. But we stuck together, and were amongst the 30 cyclists who completed the 310-miles in the saddle, arriving in Paris at around 4pm.

“The experience of riding in a peloton around the Arc de Triomphe when we arrived in Paris was unexpectedly moving.”

Lodders became aware of CLIC Sargent after James Spreckley, who is head of the Rural Sector team, experienced its support first-hand when his 15-year-old daughter, Sophia was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma.

Amazing organisation

“The London to Paris bike ride was our way of giving back to this amazing organisation,” says James, “which supported my family in our time of need and continues to work tirelessly to help many young children and their families.

“We are extremely grateful to everyone who has made a donation. The total amount of more than £6,000 raised has far exceeded our expectations and we hope the funds will help to make a difference to the lives of people undergoing treatment and relying on the care and support of CLIC Sargent.”

Michael Wakeling, a partner in Lodders Dispute Resolution practice, adds: “The London to Paris cycle was one of the biggest cycling challenges we’ve taken on, particularly in the scorching temperatures, but we were determined to make it through. We appreciate each and every donation we received and are so pleased that the funds are going to such a worthy cause.”

Lodders launched its Charitable Foundation in 2016 with the aim of supporting regional charities where a real difference can be made, reflecting the firm’s longstanding commitment to its local communities.

Image shows (left to right): Lodders ‘Team Pink’ cycling trio James Spreckley, Alastair Frew and Michael Wakeling cycled 310 miles from London to Paris, raising £6,000 for young people’s cancer charity, CLIC Sargent.