£7,500 raised in 500 mile charity bike ride in five days

05 August 2015

Eleven NATS employees have raised £7,500 for charity by cycling 500 miles in five days – with more donations still being counted.

The team from NATS’ Information Solutions (IS) department pedalled from the air traffic control centre in Swanwick, Hampshire, to the Prestwick Centre, Ayrshire, to raise the money for the British Heart Foundation, Ayrshire Hospice and the Fareham and Gosport Basics Bank.

Gavin Walker, Chief Information Officer NATS, said: “It was such a huge challenge for the team. Our determination has paid off and we’re proud that we could support the vital work of these charities.”

The cyclists were assisted by a support team of four.

Kathrine Maynard, Fundraising Manager at the British Heart Foundation, said:  “It’s only because of dedicated people like the NATS bike ride team, that take on incredible challenges, that the BHF can continue its vital work fighting heart disease.

“Whether it is a baby born with a heart defect or a father who has a heart attack, our research has already helped save thousands of lives. Every pound the team raise from this cycle will be spent on funding new breakthroughs to help prevent, treat and cure heart conditions.”

Ron Swanson, Assistant Fundraising Manager at Ayrshire Hospice, said: “The Ayrshire Hospice is truly indebted to NATS for their invaluable support, particularly over the past year when NATS Prestwick have raised over £37,000 in aid of the hospice!

“The creativity, enthusiasm and dedication of staff within NATS is absolutely fantastic – support we never take for granted. Every penny raised will be gratefully received by the patients and families at the hospice.”

Philip Rutt, a volunteer at the Fareham and Gosport Basics Bank, said: “In 2014 The Fareham and Gosport Food Bank provided food for over 4,000 adults and children in our community. We are delighted that NATS are continuing to support us and are helping to make a difference to people facing short run crises.”

NATS has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for a number of charities over the years through various fundraising efforts.

Through its Footprint Fund (NATS’ Corporate Responsibility Fund), which was launched in 2008, NATS has donated almost £200,000 to more than 300 charities. The Footprint Fund donated £31,000 to 53 local causes last year alone. While 8% of NATS staff made ‘Give As You Earn’ donations using the company payroll giving scheme, donating £133,500 to the charities they care about last year.

Donations are still being collected and can be made at: NATSWickSquared Justgiving

More photos are at the NATS Flickr site.

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