Cycle to Inspire: Rapport’s biggest challenge to date
After a year of thorough planning, 12 brave Rapport ambassadors undertook an extraordinary journey, all in the name of charity. This 531km adventure tested their physical and mental endurance, united by one goal: to raise £30,000 for two incredible causes.
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On September 20th, a team of Rapport ambassadors embarked on a 531km journey from London through England, Wales, and Ireland, all the way to Dublin, as part of the Cycle to Inspire challenge. Their goal was to help raise £30,000 this year to directly support our charity partners, West Lea School and Down Syndrome Ireland. The funds raised will go towards West Lea School’s mission to provide life-changing educational opportunities for students with special needs and disabilities. It will also go to Down Syndrome Ireland who provides essential services for individuals and their families.
The Cycle to Inspire challenge wasn’t taken lightly. Each member of the team spent months training and pushing themselves to new limits to prepare for the intense physical demand of this journey. Their hard work paid off as they tackled the first day’s distance with determination.
A heartfelt send-off
The journey began at West Lea School Haselbury, where the Cycle to Inspire team received a moving send-off. Cheered on by students, staff, and representatives from both West Lea and Rapport, the cyclists were given an extra boost of motivation. The excitement and joy in the children’s faces, knowing that the team were cycling on their behalf, set the tone for the emotional journey ahead.
Paul Quinn, CEO at West Lea School
Facing the Elements – London to Leamington Spa
Through rain, sun, and everything in between, the team’s determination never wavered. The first leg of the journey—a challenging 159km ride from London to Leamington Spa—tested their endurance and spirit. Fortunately, they weren’t alone on this tough road. A dedicated support crew accompanied them every step of the way, ensuring they stayed fed, hydrated, and motivated. Despite unexpected downpours and the inevitable fatigue that comes with such a demanding ride, the team pushed through, driven by their shared passion for the Cycle to Inspire cause.
Heartfelt messages from home
Over the next two days, the team covered an impressive 250km, cycling from Leamington Spa to Crewe and then on to Prestatyn. The morning of the second day began with an emotional lift—a heartfelt video message from friends and colleagues back home, cheering them on and wishing them success. These words of encouragement lifted the team’s spirits and helped them push through what would become their longest and most gruelling day of cycling.
The final stretch
On day four of Cycle to Inspire, the team faced the final stretch, riding 112km from Prestatyn to Holyhead, navigating the breathtaking coastal routes of Wales. Though the weather turned against them, with rain and strong winds making the ride more difficult, the team’s determination never faltered. High spirits carried them through, and by the end of the day, they arrived at Holyhead, where they caught the ferry to Dublin.
“We love all things Rapport. Emily and the team we work with, always bring the energy and the smiles. So, when we heard about the London to Dublin cycle and that we would have the chance to welcome everyone to Dublin, we were really excited.
As they set off from London, we got updates of really tough weather conditions and steep steep hills. But when the cyclists finally arrived at Accenture for the welcome party, they were all dancing and smiling, it was inspiring.
Through our partnership with Rapport our members are finding meaningful employment and the money being raised helps us advance our objectives and help us find solutions to the problems people born with Down syndrome often face. We can’t do our work without amazing people like the staff in Rapport, together we are giving people with Down syndrome the chance to reach their potential.”
John Ryan McLaughlin, Head of Fundraising
Thank You
Thank you to the cyclists, Conor, Dirk, Martin, Leanne, Roxanna, Joao, Agata, Rafal, Federico, Chester, Felix, and Aswin. And thank you to the support team who went on this journey with the cyclists, Emma, Jess, Cosmin, and Georgia.
You can still show your support for the team and help us make a difference by donating through the link below.
Conor Bartley, Head of Customer Service UK at Rapport
“If I look back over the last four days, we’ve had incredible highs, but of course at times we all really had to dig deep. I think we all had our own moments where we thought that we were not going to make it, but I’m truly delighted to say that we all made it together as a team.
Would I do it again? Yes, you know what, I would do it again. We’ve had a fantastic four days and all in aid of two great charity partners.”
Dirk Talsma, Managing Director at Rapport
About Rapport
Launched in 2012, Rapport is an award-winning, specialist company that provides corporate organisations with a range of fully managed front of house and back of house guest services. They provide services in all major cities in UK & Ireland, also globally with a strong presence in North America, Canada, Denmark, Switzerland, Australia, and Hong Kong. The company’s fully managed offer includes reception, concierge, client meeting room management, community manager, workspace and floor coordination, switchboard and other call services. Rapport’s ambassadors create rapport with clients and their guests from the outset, leaving them with the perfect impression every time.West Lea School
West Lea School is one of Rapport’s cherished charity partners. Catering for students aged 4 to 19 with special educational needs and disabilities, their four campuses – Meridian, Haselbury, Learning for Life and Horizon – equip children with a ‘suitcase’ of skills to help them flourish. Their Supported Internship is a one-year full time study programme for 16 – 24 year olds who have a Statement for Special Educational Needs or an Education and Health Care Plan. It includes an extended work placement with a local employer and provides access to a job for young people who want to work, but need a little extra support to do so. West Lea School websiteDown Syndrome Ireland
Our second partner, Down Syndrome Ireland, is a beacon of positivity and support for people with Down Syndrome and their families. A lens of positivity that focuses on the benefits a more inclusive society brings to both people with Down Syndrome and the country as a whole. Down Syndrome Ireland offers information, practical help and support. Most of all, they are a community of people who share the same journey. Rapport supports Down Syndrome Ireland with its Employability Programme, supporting their young people with work experience and getting into meaningful careers. Down Syndrome Ireland websiteNeed advice on improving your guest or employee experience?
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