Leo Ring

Le Loop - supporting the William Wates Memorial Trust

Most of you know I like a bike ride and have done a few client/charity rides in the past. This year I’m part of a PwC team of 15, riding a route best describe as “intimidating” for most; but “unmanageable” might be more appropriate in my case 😬

The client is Wates Group, who have been a very very good client of mine and the Firm over the last couple of years. Every year they organise an exact replica of the Tour de France to raise funds for the William Wates Memorial Trust, in memory of Billy Wates, who was tragically killed in his early 20s. The Trust does excellent work helping some of the most disadvantaged young people in and around London avoid a life of crime and fulfill their potential. For a quick snapshot, please see this link to an excellent video from a young gentleman called Kid, on the difference this has made to his life: https://youtu.be/o3ojv2WhpHA?si=9ZE63upXyPAAngGE 

The route itself is brutal as we ride a replica of stages 12, 13 and 14. The typical day is 180km and in total we will climb 9,450m, which by my actuarial calculations is the total height of Everest, plus every PwC UK office combined.

More actuarial maths: I’d give myself an 81.7% chance of actually finishing. The worst bit being that we ride past our final hotel at the foot of the final (monster) climb. So as an added motivation as I struggle through, if I don’t finish I will be offering refunds to anyone kind enough to have sponsored me.