Leaders from across the mortgage industry are set to take part in an epic 456-mile cycling challenge to raise money for two chosen charities.
Taking place in May, the Mortgage 400 will see 10 industry leaders cycle from Edinburgh to London in just four days, covering on average more than 100 miles per day as they travel through some of the UK’s most iconic cities. Stops will include Newcastle, York and Cambridge, before crossing the finishing line in the capital.
Alongside organisers John Doughty from Just Mortgages and LBG’s Andy Dean, the riders include:
- Adam Sheldon, corporate account manager at NatWest Intermediaries
- Andy Cooke, national account manager at Clydesdale Bank and Virgin Money
- Bryan Kidd, managing director at Smartr365
- Jason Hegarty, head of product and innovation at Mortgage Brain
- Mark Searle, director at Chartwell Funding
- Neil Wyatt, sales and marketing director at Mortgage Brain
- Oliver Smith, strategic partnerships manager at Vida Bank
- Rider #10 to be confirmed
Guest riders will also be joining the 10 riders on selected legs to help boost support and raise additional funds.
All money raised will be donated to two chosen charities – Magic Moments and Crisis.
Magic Moments is the charity created and supported by the Spicerhaart family of businesses. It is dedicated to providing children with life-limiting illnesses and their families with a once-in-a-lifetime adventure to Disneyland. Magic Moments also provides emotional support and respite for families and funding for the likes of appliances, hoists, supplies and toys, working closely with 13 hospices located close to Spicerhaart branches nationwide.
Crisis is one of the UK’s leading national charities dedicated to ending homelessness and is the chosen charity of Lloyds Banking Group. Their work combines daily practical support with long-term solutions designed to help people out of homelessness for good. The charity provides safe shelter and emergency accommodation, warm meals and essentials, specialist support and long-term housing solutions.
Those wishing to donate to the Mortgage 400 challenge can do so using the group’s fundraising page. A range of sponsorship opportunities are also available for corporate partners looking to support the 10 riders. Interested parties can [email protected] for more information.
John Doughty, chapter managing director at Just Mortgages, said: “Alongside Andy, I’m thrilled to be launching the Mortgage 400 and bringing together the great and the good from across the industry to raise money for two incredible charities. It promises to be a gruelling, but epic four days as we cycle from capital to capital and stop off in some great cities along the way. We hope we can count on the support of our industry peers and colleagues to get behind all the riders and raise as much money as possible for both Magic Moments and Crisis.
“As with any of my colleagues at Just Mortgages or across Spicerhaart, Magic Moments is incredibly close to my heart. Their important work supports children and families in the toughest of times and I couldn’t be more proud to ensure this work can continue. Crisis is also a wonderful charity that supports the most vulnerable in society to ensure they have a place they can call home. All of us in this industry can appreciate that and firmly get behind these terrific causes.”
Andy Dean, head of housing and sustainability at Lloyds Banking Group, adds: “I am hugely grateful to my industry colleagues for joining John and I on this extraordinary charity challenge. Both charities provide a critical lifeline to vulnerable people in different stages of life and I can think of no better cause than supporting their transformative work. The challenge will certainly test our commitment and our resilience, but will be all worth it if we can raise vital funds for these two charities.
“Anyone who is close to LBG will know that we are deeply proud to support the work of Crisis and along with our customers, have raised more than £4 million since 2023. Whether it’s homelessness, those at risk of losing their homes or those living in poor conditions, we have a shared ambition to ensure that everyone has a safe and affordable home. Fundraising is an important part in making this a reality, so we’re grateful for all the support we’ve received so far and hope our friends, families and colleagues will all dig deep.”
For more information and to donate, please click here.
