BROMSGROVE’S town crier had an unexpectedly interesting afternoon last Saturday when he joined a group of cyclists for a short impromptu ride as they journeyed through the town on their fundraising cycle.
Town Crier Kevin Ward joined 12 cyclists from Rapport – a provider of hospitality related software management systems – for a short ride during their 597km journey to raise funds for its charity partners.
The company’s ambassadors are on an ambitious quest to raise funds for students at a special educational needs school and a down syndrome support charity by cycling from London to Dublin.
Setting off from West Lea School, whose students will directly benefit from the funds raised, the group will finish their journey at Down Syndrome Ireland, the other beneficiary of the fundraiser.
Each team member, made up of front of house ambassadors, team leaders, managers, and managing directors, has been training hard over the past few months, balancing their daily responsibilities with intense cycling preparation.
Town Crier, Kevin Ward told the Standard: “It’s brilliant to see cyclists coming through Bromsgrive, I couldn’t let them go without showing some support.
“Very best of luck to them.”
The Cycle to Inspire initiative was officially launched by Rapport managing director Dirk Talsma at the Rapport Excellence Awards in April 2024.
During the launch, Dirk announced he would participate in the challenge if a main sponsor was secured by the end of the night.
Dirk said: “Despite my Dutch heritage, I do not cycle frequently. In fact, you would typically only catch me covering short distances on an electric Lime Bike in London.
“Therefore, I was not planning on joining this challenge but instead was planning to support and cheer on our very brave Rapport Cycling Champions.
“However, when a very generous member of the audience offered £5,000 in sponsorship, in exchange for my participation, I had to admit defeat.
“I hope this cycle from London to Dublin, and the money that we raise will bring positive, lasting change to the lives of those we support.”
They began their journey on Friday, September 20. The company is in the early stages of their fundraising campaign, aiming to raise £30,000 by April next year.
Joao Estroia, Rapport ambassador said: “It is an absolute honour to support our charity partners.”
Another ambassador, Leanne Baker, Rapport added: “I love multiday cycling challenges and doing this with like-minded people, for two great causes… that’s all the inspiration I needed.”
