Senior figures from across the mortgage industry are preparing to cycle 456 miles in four days this May, as part of a major fundraising effort for two national charities.
The Mortgage 400 challenge will see 10 industry leaders ride from Edinburgh to London, covering an average of more than 100 miles a day. The route takes in a number of major cities including Newcastle, York and Cambridge, before finishing in the capital.
The event is being organised by John Doughty, chapter managing director at Just Mortgages, alongside Andy Dean, head of housing and sustainability at Lloyds Banking Group.
Riders taking part include Adam Sheldon, corporate account manager at NatWest Intermediaries; Andy Cooke, national account manager at Clydesdale Bank and Virgin Money; Bryan Kidd, managing director at Smartr365; Jason Hegarty, head of product and innovation at Mortgage Brain; Mark Searle, director at Chartwell Funding; Neil Wyatt, sales and marketing director at Mortgage Brain; and Oliver Smith, strategic partnerships manager at Vida Bank. A tenth rider is yet to be confirmed.
Guest riders will also join the group on selected stages of the route, with the aim of increasing awareness and fundraising support.
All funds raised will be split between two charities: Magic Moments and Crisis.
CHARITIES SUPPORTED
Magic Moments is the charity created and supported by the Spicerhaart family of businesses. It focuses on giving children with life-limiting illnesses and their families a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Disneyland, while also providing practical and emotional support closer to home.
The charity works with 13 hospices across the UK and helps fund essential items such as appliances, hoists, supplies and toys.
Crisis is one of the UK’s leading homelessness charities and is the chosen charity of Lloyds Banking Group.
Its work combines immediate practical help with longer-term support designed to help people move out of homelessness permanently, including access to safe shelter, meals, specialist advice and long-term housing solutions.
John Doughty said: “Alongside Andy, I’m thrilled to be launching the Mortgage 400 and bringing together the great and the good from across the industry to raise money for two incredible charities. It promises to be a gruelling, but epic four days as we cycle from capital to capital and stop off in some great cities along the way.
We hope we can count on the support of our industry peers and colleagues to get behind all the riders and raise as much money as possible for both Magic Moments and Crisis.
As with any of my colleagues at Just Mortgages or across Spicerhaart, Magic Moments is incredibly close to my heart. Their important work supports children and families in the toughest of times and I couldn’t be more proud to ensure this work can continue.
Crisis is also a wonderful charity that supports the most vulnerable in society to ensure they have a place they can call home. All of us in this industry can appreciate that and firmly get behind these terrific causes.”
Andy Dean added: “I am hugely grateful to my industry colleagues for joining John and I on this extraordinary charity challenge. Both charities provide a critical lifeline to vulnerable people in different stages of life and I can think of no better cause than supporting their transformative work.
The challenge will certainly test our commitment and our resilience, but will be all worth it if we can raise vital funds for these two charities.
Anyone who is close to LBG will know that we are deeply proud to support the work of Crisis and along with our customers, have raised more than £4 million since 2023. Whether it’s homelessness, those at risk of losing their homes or those living in poor conditions, we have a shared ambition to ensure that everyone has a safe and affordable home.
Fundraising is an important part in making this a reality, so we’re grateful for all the support we’ve received so far and hope our friends, families and colleagues will all dig deep.”
Those wishing to donate to the Mortgage 400 can do so via the group’s fundraising page. Sponsorship opportunities are also available for corporate partners, with further details available by contacting john.doughty@justmortgages.co.uk.
