Jon Hall (pictured, right), group managing director, mortgages and savings at OSB Group, and Christina Fasoli (pictured, left), Canterbury branch manager at Kent Reliance, have raised £6,000 for a children’s hospice during a charity bike ride.
The pair cycled 183 miles from Paris to Sittingbourne over three days, starting on 15th September, amounting to 15 hours of cycling over all.
The hospice, Demelza, operates across Kent, South East London and East Sussex, providing local children and young people who have serious or life-limiting conditions with the care and attention they need to live the most fulfilling life they can, and ensure they have the opportunity to build memories.
Hall and Fasoli have generated more than 100 donations so far, currently totalling over £6,000 for the charity, this figure still expected to rise.
With these funds, Demelza could use £5,000 to pay for 50 families to receive an evening of respite care – giving families a break while their child is cared for by the expert care team in their home or at one of the hospices, and £2,500 to pay for a healthcare assistant for around a month, providing dedicated care to individuals at home or in one of the hospices.
Kent Reliance also supports Demelza through its children’s savings account, where it donates the equivalent of 0.25% of the balances held in these accounts each year, and a variety of fundraising and sponsorship initiatives.
Hall said: “This has been a huge challenge for us both and crossing the finishing line, along with the other cyclists, was really moving.
“Powered by a great deal adrenaline, news of the donations coming in and some extra help from energy gels, we’ve completed 183 miles for this amazing charity who do wonderful work across the southeast of England.
“Thanks to everyone who has donated and supported us on this journey!”
Louise Earl, corporate partnerships account manager at Demelza, said: “Kent Reliance do so much for Demelza, we are incredibly lucky to have their support.
“The staff get involved at all levels – volunteering to help at events, getting us tickets for days out for Demelza families and so much more.
“Jon and Christina have taken on this epic challenge to raise money for us and we could not be more grateful.
“We cherish the relationship that we have with Kent Reliance and their staff.
“Thank you so much for taking part in the ride, I hope you’ve been given some time off for a rest now!”
Donations are still open here.
