Our Commercial Manager, Derek Bain, is taking part in the Prudential Ride London-Surrey 100 on July 30.

Not only will this be a personal challenge for Derek but it will also raise funds for a cause that is close to his heart, the Breast Cancer Now charity.

He said: “My mum was diagnosed with breast cancer some years ago. She thankfully fought it with customary resilience and continues to play the important role within our family that she always has.

“When I decided to take on the challenging 100-mile bike sportive I also wanted to raise funds for a poignant cause.”

More than 50,000 women and 350 men in the UK are diagnosed with breast cancer every year – and every 45 minutes one woman loses her life to the disease. Raising funds for Breast Cancer Now helps with research, campaigning, drugs for all, awareness and support.

Derek said: “I am asking friends, family and colleagues to support the charity and to offer me a great incentive to ride the 100 mile event.  Every donation, no matter how little, will be gratefully received by both myself and the charity.”

Derek in ACT cycle kit.

The London to Surrey challenge

The Prudential Ride London-Surrey 100 is a cycling sportive that follows a 100-mile route on closed roads through London, into the Surrey countryside and back to the capital again with a sprint finish along The Mall.

Derek said: “I’m not so sure about the sprint finish but I’ll try if I can! A 100-mile ride is currently far in excess of anything I have ridden before.

“But I am training hard and it will hopefully stand me in good stead for my most challenging ride to date.

“I am happy to hear any training advice, tips and encouragement that you can offer – as well as your donations, of course.”

To donate see Derek Bain Virgin Money fundraising.