“I’m glad the money I raised is supporting such wonderful projects. Create also made the fundraising process very easy.”
Richard Crowther
On Sunday 30 July 2017, 13 #TeamCreate riders completed a gruelling event. This was the second year we had the privilege of taking part in the capital’s ultimate cycling challenge: Prudential RideLondon–Surrey 100.
Our riders not only took on the 100 mile loop between London and Surrey but also worked with the same drive to meet their fundraising challenge. They have already collectively raised £15,377, with funds continuing to pour in, which will help us empower even more lives through the creative arts over the coming months.
One of our fundraising heroes is Richard Crowther, Asset Manager at British Land. Create’s longest-standing corporate partner, the company funded our first ever project – Shake an Egg – in 2003, when Create was just eight days old. We caught up with Richard the day after the race to see how his legs were doing and why he chose to take part.
“It is such a great experience to breathe in the fresh air and see that many cyclists on car-free roads. It’s nice not to have to worry about competing with vehicles.
“I think a couple of the hills were harder than I thought they’d be, especially Leith Hill which was certainly the most challenging stretch. The road compressed like a funnel. There were a lot of people shouting ‘keep going, keep going!’ and if you stopped and anyone was in front or behind you then it had a knock on effect. You have to get in a line and not dismount. I was lucky that I managed to keep in that line and reach the top. That and cycling down towards Buckingham Palace were definite highlights. It really made me feel like I’d done it.
“After I crossed the finish line I thought I’d be in pain but I felt surprisingly okay. I was certainly feeling tired but after some jelly babies and a little bit of fruit I started getting back to normal. Being more of a tennis player than a cyclist I’ve got to be thankful for having finished it and that it was a nice day. It was a great event.
“I got to know Create through British Land, who introduced me to the charity’s inspiring work when I was considering taking on the challenge. It is a very important cause and I am glad the money I fundraised is supporting such wonderful projects. Create also made the fundraising process very easy. I was given all the necessary materials and guidelines to get the message across to my family, friends and colleagues. My success definitely wasn’t just down to me, as my supporters were generous and so was British Land, which match funded my £750 target.”
We can’t thank #TeamCreate enough for taking on this challenge – and Prudential plc for providing us with the VIP places to make this possible. We are looking forward to seeing the impact their efforts will have on the lives of so many disadvantaged and vulnerable children and adults over the coming months.
To congratulate riders and their wonderful supporters we hosted a post-race picnic at Hyde Park. And the weather held out!