500km. 12 cyclists. 4 days.

One Big Reason To Ride

On Monday 7 September, 12 cyclists will set off from Eindhoven in the Netherlands on an epic 500km journey to Paddington in London, all in support of KingswayCARES.

Four days. Four countries. 500 kilometres.

And, almost certainly, a considerable amount of Lycra.

But this challenge isn't really about cycling. It's about connection.

From Eindhoven to Paddington

The ride was the idea of Ian Gilbey, Managing Director of Cyberbridge Services, who will be getting on his bike alongside seven colleagues from Cyberbridge and Forescout.

Their route will take them from the Forescout office in Eindhoven to its UK office in Paddington, crossing 500km over four days. It's an ambitious challenge, particularly when you remember that bicycles don't come with a 'skip the hills' button.

Who are they riding for?

The ride is raising money for KingswayCARES, an initiative created by Kingsway Care to help older and disabled people access the everyday experiences, opportunities and social connections that can make such a difference to quality of life.

One of the biggest parts of this work is our support for the Food & Friendship Luncheon Club.

Twice a week, the club brings together more than 80 older people and adults with learning disabilities for a hot meal, friendship, entertainment and a chance to spend time with other people.

For some guests, it is the highlight of their week. For others, it may be one of the only times they see other people.

And that is why it matters.

More than just a meal

The Food & Friendship Luncheon Club isn't simply about putting a hot meal on a table.

It is about sitting down together. Having a chat.Sharing a laugh. Celebrating birthdays. Making friends.

And having somewhere to go where people know your name.

What an amazing challenge! Well done for smashing your fundraising target this Summer and everyone at Food and Friendship sends their love and thanks. We send positive good-weather vibes for a really smooth ride for you all! 500km is a long way, I am totally in awe of you all.

Caroline, Founder of Food and Friendship Luncheon Club

Funds raised through KingswayCARES help subsidise meals, provide transport for people who would otherwise struggle to attend, and create a welcoming environment where people can enjoy activities and entertainment together.

Kingsway Care also pays our professional CareGivers to help prepare, serve and support the lunches. Because we believe care in our communities is about social connection as much as practical support.

Small things can make a big difference

KingswayCARES also helps fund special experiences for people who might otherwise never have the opportunity to enjoy them. That could mean a day out, a pamper session, a birthday celebration or simply doing something they've always wanted to do. These might sound like small things. They aren't.

When someone is lonely or isolated, having something to look forward to can make a surprisingly big difference.

What your donation can do

Every donation to the cycle challenge will help KingswayCARES continue this work.

For example:

• £150 could help cover weekly ingredients and FareShare food costs.
• £50 could provide transport for six isolated guests to attend the luncheon club.
• £20 could provide birthday cakes for six people to share and celebrate together.
• £10 could provide lunch for two guests.

So while 500km might seem like a long way to cycle, every kilometre is helping the team move towards something much more important: more opportunities for people to feel connected, included and valued.

Follow the ride

The team will set off from Eindhoven on Monday 7 September, arriving in Paddington on Thursday 10 September.

We'll be following their progress throughout the four days and sharing updates, photographs, milestones, probably some questionable cycling fashion and, hopefully, increasingly triumphant faces as they get closer to London.

500km is a long way.

But together, the team is cycling for something that can go much further.

🚴 DAY 1 | Eindhoven → Antwerp

“And they're off! 12 cyclists, 500km ahead of them...”
Track their progress live on bike ride tracker