IT WAS on your bike for staff at Newcastle IT firm Calibre Secured Networks Ltd, who took to two wheels recently in aid of a local charity that helps people with blood cancer.
Directors Karen and Steve Nelson, whose company provides IT network services to UK clients from its office at Science Central, pedalled from Seahouses to The Bike hub on the Quayside in Heaton to raise over £2,000 for Bright Red’s sponsored cycle ride, ‘Ride for Red’.
Calibre sponsored 10 places on the ride and commissioned a commemorative jersey for the event, which they were supporting in aid of Steve’s father, who died from leukaemia in 2011.
Friends from their local cycling club, North Tyneside Riders (NTR), which the firm sponsors, joined them on the coastal 53-mile ride to offer their support and encouragement.
Indeed, those who weren’t able to be in the Calibre team but wanted to be involved paid for their own places and rode in normal club colours alongside the others to raise money.
This year’s event marked not only the sixth Ride for Red but also the six-year anniversary of the charity, which raises funds and provides voluntary support for leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma sufferers and those with myelodysplasia and myeloproliferative diseases.
Calibre’s staff are committed to getting on their bikes in support of NTR and local cycling charity rides, reinforcing a commitment to their own cycle-to-work scheme.
The Nelsons, who are both keen cyclists, saw an opportunity to combine their love of cycling with raising thousands of pounds for the Gosforth-based charity.
Karen Nelson said although it was a tough ride it was an amazing experience to cycle with the support of a team who were passionate about Bright Red’s cause.
She said: “We’re passionate about promoting a healthy workforce and this opportunity to be involved ticked all the right boxes.
“We had no hesitation in saying we would enter the challenge and are pleased that we’ve been able to support such a worthy cause. We’re hoping to make it an annual contribution, selecting additional them members each year.”
Bright Red’s Ashley Elliott, charity manager, said: “With the generous support of Calibre and others we are able to provide much needed services and help for those across the north east suffering from blood diseases. So it’s a big thank you to Karen and Steve for their efforts.”
NTR as a club were proud to back the event by allowing the change in colour of its club kit from yellow to red and those who made the Calibre team were: Karen Nelson, Steve Nelson, Mark Ord, Nicky Hudson, John Preston, Jason Allen, Murray McCheyne, Karl Faetz, Carl Bramber and Phil Robinson