It is this time of the year again …..

I will cycle with a group of new and old colleagues at UBS from Landquart to Ljubljana over 5 days with an astonishing distance of approx. 725km with approx. 13,300m ascent (average 145km and 2,660m ascent per day)!

This year the route will take us through 5 countries with breathtaking highlights on the way (Silvretta Bielerhöhe Pass, Timmelsjoch pass, Passo Valparola, Triglav National Park or Lake Bled).

We will ride in support of Students at Bridge Academy. who come from some of the most disadvantaged backgrounds in the UK.

The Bridge Academy, Hackney, is a school for 11-18 year olds. It caters for 1150 students. UBS has helped to support and establish the school.

Over 50% receive free school meals, more than double the national average. Poverty, family breakdown, poor housing and crime are just some of the challenges many face daily, along with the usual difficulties of being a teenager growing up in a complex world.

But we don't let these factors define them or determine their futures. Despite these disadvantages Bridge Academy students achieve above the national average at GCSE and A Level and achieve results in the top 10% nationally, outperforming students from much more privileged backgrounds.

To help in their journey we are fundraising for two initiatives for the coming year :

Place2Be counselling - to provide an inhouse dedicated counsellor to help our younger students

Outdoor activities - to take students to the countryside and the coast for outdoor activities that will broaden their perspectives

This year again, I appeal to my. Network to support this cause and help the Bridge Academy and their students. Thank you in advance.