2022 cycling challenge unites industry to ride for youth

IBC Buying Group is organising a charity cycling challenge to help provide new opportunities for young people to learn new skills and develop their careers. The charity ride will see more than 40 people from across the merchant industry ride the length of the UK from Land’s End to John O’Groats. The challenge will take place from May 18 to 29 2022, with the team led by Dave Robertson, IBC managing director, and Steve Halford, managing director of The Garage Door Company.

All monies raised during the challenge will be split equally between the Unitas Youth Zone project and Construction Youth Trust. The money will be donated in honour of Maddie Durdant-Hollamby, a well-known young woman in the industry and loved by many, whose life was sadly cut short in tragic circumstances. Maddie was passionate about encouraging young people within the industry and those looking to join the sector, this industry-wide charity initiative aims to continue the incredible legacy already begun in her name.

Construction Youth Trust plans to inspire and support young people to overcome barriers and discover the careers that the construction and built environment industry can provide. The Unitas Youth Zone is an independent charity supported by IBC Buying Group, it provides purpose-built facilities for young people in and around Barnet, North London, where they can learn vital life skills.

The challenge will be hosted by pie Events, they will arrange all food and accommodations for the 11-night, fully guided and fully supported trip. Participants just need to arrange travel to the starting point near Land’s End on May 18, and travel home from Inverness 10 triumphant days later on the May 29.

During the event, the group will cycle around 100 miles each day, travelling a grand total of approximately 960 miles through countryside travelling the length of England and Scotland. The entire event will be covered on social media, with regular updates and PR coverage for everyone taking part to help raise awareness of this incredible challenge, and encourage as many people as possible to donate.

Dave Robertson said: “I can guarantee some serious highs and lows on the journey, but at the end every single person who takes part will have completed an incredible achievement.

“One of the most important things about our industry is that we’re a family, and that starts from the moment you join the sector, no matter where you begin. The youth of today are going to be the people who join our industry tomorrow, and it’s so important that we all give as much support and help as we can, with training, apprenticeships and many other ways we can find to mentor them and give them as many career options as possible.”

“Being able to continue the fundraising for Unitas and Construction Youth Trust that we have already done throughout this year – especially in Maddie’s name and with her family’s support – makes it all the more special to all of us, and we hope that many of our friends and colleagues from across the industry will be inspired to join us.”