On your bike! … but for a very good cause

Ten years after first cycling from London to Paris on a charity cycle challenge, Puritas MD Trevor Cole explains why he’s getting back in the saddle and doing it again

The Seine, Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Montmartre, Ile de La Cite, and Left Bank. The food, the wine, the romance – the sights, smells and sensations of the Parisian scene. Who can resist?

Sound like a good idea?

Well yes, actually, if you’re planning to raise money for a good cause, if you want to challenge yourself to do something unforgettable, if you want to meet and make friends and connections for life.

That’s certainly the experience of Trevor Cole, MD at local finance software developer Puritas, who first cycled from London to Paris in 2012. And these are certainly the reasons he’s planning to do it all again this year.

Inspired to help others

‘I wasn’t quite sure what to expect when signing-up for the London-Paris Cycle Challenge 10 years ago,’ explains Trevor, ‘but knew the cause was a worthy one. We were raising money for people having to rebuild their lives after suffering a stroke, inspired by Islander Anthony Lewis who was then going through that process.

‘I was always into cycling and thought this was a special opportunity to challenge myself to do something different. Just how different didn’t become apparent until we started out from London and then cycled across northern France.

‘Just how special became increasingly obvious as all those taking part came together as a group, bonded by a common cause and the demanding conditions. When it was over, those bonds endured in the days, months and years that followed.

‘I’m proud to say many friendships and connections made back in 2012 have remained firm since, both at a personal and professional level. This was an unexpected bonus on top of all the other benefits that came from taking part.’

Going again in 2022

Those bonuses and benefits have inspired Trevor to repeat the challenge in 2022 – he’s cycling from London to Paris once again, in September this year. 

Taking part in the event, sponsored by PWC and Bedell Cristin, Trevor will be raising money once more in support of people rebuilding their lives after suffering a stroke. It’s a cause close to his heart. 

‘Many of us struck down by illness can at least look forward to the prospect of recovery and resuming our lives,’ Trevor elaborates. ‘For those suffering a stroke, there’s often the matter of long and arduous treatment to overcome the initial impact. Then the considerable challenge of adjusting lives and living conditions to cope with often long-term disabilities.   

‘Jersey Stroke Support, which was recently established in the Island, does amazing work in this area. I might be challenging myself by cycling from London to Paris once again, but the real challenge will be raising as much money as possible for this very worthwhile charitable cause.’

Sponsor Trevor and help Jersey Stroke Support

Trevor’s hoping to raise £1,000 for Jersey Stroke Support – there’s a Just Giving page at https://justgiving.com/fundraising/trevor-cole-london-to-paris, where d0nations are very welcome. The trip cost is being funded by Trevor so that all donations will go to Jersey Stroke Support.

He’s also hoping to inspire others to consider taking on similar unforgettable challenges. Anyone interested in finding out more can get in touch at trevor.cole@puritas.co.uk.