As part of its ‘Giving Something Back’ scheme, Managing Director Paul Lawton will be part of the 22–strong cycling convoy, heading from the company’s head office in London to Irlam network centre in Manchester.
The group – aiming to reach its final destination in a mere three days – has a £10,000 target for sponsorship. To help reach this ambitious target, a JustGiving page has been activated at http://www.justgiving.com/teams/TalkTalk
Raj Kalia, TalkTalk Business’ Director of Network Innovation, will be leading the way on Friday 16th September. He says: “It’s certainly going to be a challenge. It’ll be the longest distance many of us have ever cycled, and will probably ever want to! However, everyone involved is delighted to be making this effort on behalf of Ambitious about Autism.
“We have some very generous sponsors including Ericsson, Nokia Siemens Network, Click Travel, eDigital, Sigma Systems and Huawei Europe, although we’re still appealing for others to come forward and help us reach our target.”
Ambitious about Autism is a national charity committed to improving opportunities for people with Autism by providing services, raising awareness and influencing government policy. Founded as TreeHouse in 1997, the initiative includes a specialist school for young children with Autism at the purpose built Pears National Centre for Autism Education.
Ambitious about Autism is the national charity for children and young people with autism. The charity provides information, training and support and runs a range of high-quality services including the pioneering TreeHouse School.
Jane Kuria-Ronaldson, head of corporate & events fundraising at Ambitious about Autism said: “Ambitious about Autism has been working in partnership with TalkTalk since 2002 and we have been truly inspired by how many TalkTalk staff have gone the extra distance, to make the ordinary possible for the 1 in 100 children and young people in the UK with autism.
Such a challenging and demanding ride leaves no room to question TalkTalk’s dedication to our cause and everyone at the charity is incredibly grateful for their commitment and support. We would like to say thank you so much and good luck to everyone taking part!”
TalkTalk’s Giving Something Back initiative allows all of their 3,500 staff to take a day out of their normal schedule to help a range of local and national charities, including British Red Cross, Marie Curie and the Prince’s Trust.
Paul Lawton, TalkTalk Business’ Managing Director, said: “The Giving Something Back scheme provides a fun and rewarding opportunity for employees to help make a real difference to communities across the UK.
“I’m especially looking forward to being involved in this one myself. Although, I may feel differently when I’m recovering from the inevitable aches and pains!”