To commemorate 100 years since the end of World War I, and their ongoing support for the Armed Forces, Auctus Management Group Ltd (AMG) and RSS Infrastructure Ltd put together a team of 5 riders to take part in the ‘Pedal to Paris’ event. Richard Toy, Sean Harrison, Andrew Coates, Brett Jones and Brian Hopkinson cycled from London to Paris for the Royal British Legion. This four-day event covering 460 km, started in London on Thursday 30th August, where they travelled south to Dover. The riders crossed the English Channel to Calais completing the first 129km stretch of their journey. Over the next 3 days the riders completed a staggering 328.6km, taking them from Calais to Paris, where there was a ceremony at the Arc de Triomphe to honour the grave of the unknown French Soldier who died during the Great War.
Auctus Management Group Ltd is committed to its partnership with the British Armed Forces. Together they have worked on a series of initiatives designed to attract talented personnel into both the military from within rail, light rail and construction/civil sectors.
AMG, and its subsidiary business RSS Infrastructure Ltd, previously known as ‘Rail Safety Solutions Ltd’, are proud members of the Armed Forces Covenant Silver Award for the Employer Recognition Scheme. They have always shown support for the Armed Forces through charity events, open days and recruitment drives, so participating in such an historic event to raise money for the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal seemed like a great opportunity.
We sat down with Richard Toy, CEO of Auctus Management Group Ltd, as he recounts his experience of the event and why participating was so important to him.
“Myself and my team are passionate about supporting the Armed Forces, so we make sure to get involved in as many charitable events and causes as possible. Marking 100 years since World War I, we felt it was important to participate in such a significant event that would raise money for the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal.
To prepare for the ride we all put together a vigorous training programme, that started 6 months before the event, and saw us commit to a regime that progressively intensified week by week. As the event drew closer, we were matching the miles we would have to complete through the four-day period. Taking part in the ‘Pedal for Paris’ is one of the best things I have ever done. A personal highlight of mine was following the Union Jack into Abbeville after 80 miles, to locals clapping us on and lining the streets, it was unbelievable.
Seeing my wife and kids as I crossed the finish line will be a moment I will never forget. I know for all of our riders, having the support of family, friends, colleagues and sponsors made us even more determined to make them all proud.”
Auctus Management Group Ltd, have currently raised over a staggering £7,700 for the British Legion with donations and messages still coming in every day. If you would like to read Richard’s personal account of the ride, and to show your support, visit their JustGiving page at: https://www.justgiving.com/pedal-to-paris-18
