A team of cyclists from AJW Distribution and Seven Asset completed a 24-hour challenge in aid of Broomfield Hospital’s Phoenix ward, part of Mid Essex Hospitals Charity.

The event was inspired by eight-year-old Harrison Hart whose dad Shaun works at AJW’s Witham depot. Harrison has a rare form of life-threatening epilepsy and regularly attends Phoenix ward for treatment.

Team Harrison’s challenge started with a team of seven cyclists pedaling the 73.5 miles from our depot in Chatteris to our depot in Witham, Essex.

They set off at 7.30am on Friday morning and arrived in Witham at 3.20pm where they were joined by Harrison, his parents Debbie and Shaun, and Donna Dodd, a specialist nurse who has supported Harrison and his family through his treatment.

A number of the AJW team then took turns to pedal a static bike through the night until 7.30am on Saturday morning to complete the epic challenge.

Team Harrison comprised of AJW’s superwoman Liz Custance from our central sales team who cycled 15 miles just to get to the start line, Dean Wicks our external sales executive, driver Rainer Hoefft, and the inspirational Don Goldsworthy-Ellson who helped get the team on board to make this challenge happen.

They were joined by Seven Asset’s deputy managing director Steve Cole, Rob Simmons from their service planning team and Ernie Ross who is the personal fitness trainer to some of the team at Seven Asset.

Seven Asset’s Steve Cole said: “Overall the ride went really well and the weather was pretty kind to us with only a couple of light showers to contend with. We only went slightly off the pre-planned route a couple of times but soon found our way back. The hills came into play in the second half of the ride with nothing too horrendous to deal with.

“I do have to congratulate both Liz for doing the ride on a heavy mountain bike – that is some feat – and also Don who having only recently taking up cycling lasted the distance extremely well considering his recent health issues. I’m looking forward to next year’s event already!”

Charlotte Woods, AJW’s marketing director, said: “I am extremely proud of everyone who took part in the this 24-hour challenge and would like to thank you all for giving up your time to help raise money for our chosen charity of the year. We wanted to thank the Phoenix ward team for Harrison’s amazing care by giving something back and we were lucky enough that Harrison could attend the event on Friday. It was so nice that the team could meet this amazing boy.”

Harrison’s mum, Debbie Hart, said: “I would just like to say a huge thank you for the amazing effort Team Harrison made on Friday. It was so overwhelming to have such a lovely group of people put so much effort into this charity. Not only will this help children throughout Essex, but personally will also help my own son! I would like to say a massive thank you to all you.”

Charlotte Jefcoate, fundraising coordinator at Mid Essex Hospitals Charity, added: “It was a great event and we’d like to say a huge well done to all the cyclists who took part. The money will make a big difference to the children and staff on Phoenix ward. We are extremely grateful for the wonderful support we’ve received from everyone at AJW.”

So far, we have raised nearly £2,000 for the charity and are positive we can raise much more as the year goes on. Please dig deep and help us raise as much as we can for our chosen charity of the team and donate today.

To find out more about our chosen charity of the year please view our giving back page