WE DID IT!!!! 

Pisa-Florence-Siena-Pisa Cycle Challenge: 193 miles, 10,000 feet of ascent completed on Saturday 21st May 2022.

We are absolutely delighted to have raised £8,500 plus Gift Aid towards the overall event total of £83,000. Special thanks to a longstanding client of our firm who had a cycling a connection, for their incredibly generous four figure donation. 

Charles said: "What a great experience. The four hand/adapted bikers are like Olympians - they were truly amazing with their determination to get up 10,000 feet of hills come what may. A real inspiration to everyone. They live life to the full and enjoy themselves, whilst being the kindest and most supportive people to everyone else. 

"Team 'TuscanTakeover’ was a great bunch comprised of 40 people of all ages and backgrounds, with the bond of a huge commitment to SIA. Exceptional organisation from SIA and Chapeau Events made it bearable through some very challenging moments. This ride pushed me to my limits and is one of the top five hardest physical things I’ve ever done). Thom is a real star cyclist but even he found hills to go up and down that were demanding enough!"

Thom said: “An amazing journey, and for a truly worthy cause. Our donors’ generosity will make such a difference to the lives of people affected by spinal cord injuries.

“To hear first-hand about the work of SIA, particularly how they assist people immediately after an injury, was an eye opener and I will remain are great support of theirs in the future. 

"On a personal level my thanks are also due to Chapeau Events in Manchester who organised and managed the ride. I am extremely proud of what we have all achieved together. Well done Charles as a Type 1 diabetic who did three of his longest ever days on a bike, with the most climbing, in the heat, and there was never a moment when he wavered.”

The SIA is the UK’s leading Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) charity, offering support, information and advice to thousands of people every year, helping them lead fulfilled, independent lives after spinal cord injury.

Seven people every day suffer a spinal cord injury in the UK and will have to face the reality of a life that is changed irrevocably overnight. SIA hopes to be there to support every single person facing that realisation. They can only do that with very generous support for adventurous fundraising challenges like this.

Thomas and Charles will be joining a team of 40 people from across the UK including a number of SCI participants, who will be using hand bikes or adapted bikes for the Challenge. The route is 193 miles over 3 days, starting and finishing in Pisa, Italy.

Thomas Harrison says: “My role of managing awards of damages following serious injury regularly brings me into close contact with people who have been affected by SCI. At a personal level, I’ve participated in disability cycling for many years, including as a tandem pilot for people with visual impairments on the velodrome.

“With my home cycle track currently closed for refurbishment, I have been looking for a big challenge in 2022 - this event is a perfect opportunity to raise both awareness and funds for a wonderful charity. 

“Working at Perspective enables me to bring together two of my core beliefs: that financial planning advice should be for everyone, and sport brings people together.”

Charles Penn says: “I have seen the real positive impact that SIA has on the lives of spinal cord injured people and their families both in my current role at Perspective, and during my 10 years at a law firm.

“Our expertise helps people ‘make full and effective use of their financial resources, so they can plan for and achieve the future they desire​’. By supporting SIA, we are helping the charity become the go‐to place for everyone affected by spinal cord injury, enabling them to plan for their futures too.

“On a personal note, whilst I am a reasonably fit 61 year old and regularly swim, play tennis and fell walk, I have lived with Type 1 diabetes and ulcerative colitis for 20 years…...managing my blood sugars up those hills will be quite a challenge!”

Among other participants are Gary Dawson, SIA’s Support Network Manager for the North and Dave Eastham, Support Network Coordinator for the North West. 

As well as offering their own insights and experiences into life with a spinal cord injury, Gary and Dave signpost spinal cord injured people to the most suitable services available locally and nationally. These include counselling, rehabilitation and medical support, as well as financial, legal and benefits expertise. As Gary says: “Believe me, life after injury doesn’t just stop - mine certainly didn’t! Help is out there.”

Our target is to raise at least £3,000. We would be absolutely delighted if you were willing to sponsor us with any amount large or small.

We have already started training around the hills of Newcastle upon Tyne and Northumberland (Charles) and Manchester and Cheshire (Thomas). Anyone who would like to join us on these training rides is most welcome. Just email us: charles.penn@pfgl.co.uk or thomas.harrison@pfgl.co.uk. 

Between us all, we will make it to the finish!

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