Team members of staff at Edwards in Clevedon will participate in Children’s Hospice South West’s (CHSW) Ride for Precious Lives, taking place from 11–13 July for their 12th consecutive year.
This year’s sell out event, will see 11 team members from Edwards joining 107 other cyclists as they cycle 200 miles from Little Harbour children’s hospice in St Austell to Charlton Farm children’s hospice in Wraxall, with a stop at Little Bridge House children’s hospice in Barnstaple along the route.
For the past 11 years, Edwards has not only sponsored the cycling event, helping to cover its costs, but has also entered a team to participate. Last year, the company raised over £24,000 for CHSW, and this year’s team members aim to achieve a similar level of sponsorship, with each participant individually fundraising £1,250. Additional funds are also being raised within the company through employee events at their head office in Clevedon.
Edwards, which produces specialist environmental systems to clean gases used in the manufacture of microchips, has had a long-standing relationship with CHSW, which began in 2010. Edwards have contributed over £267,000 towards vital care from fundraising and sponsorship of Ride for Precious Lives over the last 15 years along with supporting CHSW in many other ways.
The company, part of Atlas Copco Group based in Clevedon, provides volunteers for a range of events and activities, including the cleaning of Charlton Farm’s ball pit in its soft play room. The site also serves as a busy fundraising hub for CHSW, with staff organising a range of events throughout the year, such as Christmas jumper week, bucket collections, and cake sales. Additionally, Edwards recently hosted CHSW’s Friends Group Conference, offering a free event space, beverages, and lunch for staff and supporters. This event celebrates the Friends Groups, which play a crucial role in raising funds and awareness within local communities.
Edwards’ partnership with CHSW also supports its in-house wellbeing program, promoting the four pillars of wellness: physical health, mental health, social connectivity, and sense of purpose.
Edwards General Manager, Neil Mehta, said: “We hugely value our long term partnership with Children’s Hospice South West."
The relationships strengthened and friendships formed over the weekend of Ride for Precious Lives is such a highlight of our year – and firmly in the calendar.
"We are so excited to be part of this event for another year and look forward to continuing the partnership in the future.”
CHSW Corporate Fundraiser, Amanda Gallagher added:
The support from the team at Edwards has been phenomenal.
"We are so grateful for their continued sponsorship of Ride for Precious Lives and their dedication to fundraising."