On Monday 16 May, 50 intrepid Risk Engineers and Zurich M Sales staff from all over the UK took on the challenge of Rutland Water – and won!
“We wanted to get together to raise funds for Cardiac Risk in the Young and The Dave Rayner Memorial Fund following the death of Lewis, 15 – the son of Mark and Carol Barry. Lewis was a very promising sportsman, in particular with cycling, so this prompted the idea to cycle, run and walk around the reservoir.
The cyclists circumnavigated the 17 miles around the reservoir – some chose to add the 6 mile island for good measure. Walkers and runners took on the 10k route across the dam and back. We were treated to a fantastic BBQ on our return – expertly smoked (sorry, cooked!) by Jo and Stuart and put together by Cath and Nancy! So good in fact that Stuart Lloyd decided to share the ketchup with his shirt!
An auction of celebrity signed shirts and books (a fantastic “non PC” operation by Chris Wicks) raised an amazing £1400 on the day and the raffle and donations raised a further £806. Sponsorship of the team and donations from colleagues, friends and family has brought the total currently to £4556 – and with a 50% contribution from Zurich Community Trust the total will be well over £6000! A fantastic result for everyone involved! (If you still have any payments to make, can you please get these in by the end of June).
Everyone had a great day in the sun and the sense of achievement for some who hadn’t walked, run or cycled so far in a long time was incredible. Congratulations to everyone – however, special mention should go to:
Simon and Nick “Free the Zurich 2” who dressed up as convicts and cycled the 17 miles on a tandem. If they needed any encouragement then the fact that they were being “chased” by Rod, John, Mick and Mike on another tandem probably helped! (Never did work out how they managed to fit 4 blokes on a 2 seater bike!!).
Paul Feltham who came suitably dressed for an ACDC concert and walked the whole 17 mile route in 5 hours!
Ian Reffell who was not satisfied with one simple 26 mile route – so did it twice!!
As always, a few stories of mishaps emerged from the day:
- “We went off course by about half a mile because contractors left a gate open so we didn’t see the no entry sign”.
- “I shall never forget the stiff crosswind when cycling across the seemingly never ending dam”
- “David Forster couldn’t even blame a puncture for his punctuality!”
- “Helen is still on the hunt for “the wrong green chair” – if you see it, please let her know!
- Nancy Quinn never did recover from the ducks stealing her burger!!!!
- A fantastic day was had by all – and Mark and Carol are so grateful for all the support and friendship from everyone! Thank you!”
Geraldine McFaul, Risk Consultant
