The challenge was a “joy”, however “tiring”!
Former Lichfield business owner Anthony Sutton recently swapped the boardroom for the saddle as he cycled around from London to Paris in aid of a charity tackling loneliness and social isolation.
Anthony, who founded Lichfield-based HR consultancy Cream HR, joined a group of 12 cyclists for the three-day challenge that started on 24 September, raising money for Together Co.
Anthony has a personal connection to the cause. A few years ago, he made the decision to move a couple of hundred miles away from Lichfield to Brighton, where he had no existing network of friends or connections.
Although he was fortunate to move to a friendly city, the experience made him realise just how difficult loneliness and a lack of social connections can be.
“It brought home to me just how debilitating loneliness can be,” he said.
From my point of view, I simply got off my backside, met people, went to events and made sure I kept myself busy. But not everyone can do that.
Anthony was subsequently introduced to Together Co, which is based in Brighton and works to combat loneliness and improve social health and wellbeing. He became a volunteer with the charity and later became a trustee.
I love every minute of my time with Together Co and it gives me so much joy to help.
Some days after taking an incredible photo in front of the Eiffel Tower, Anthony said the challenge had been a “joy”, however “tiring”!
The £1,000 fundraising target has been surpassed by some way, but donations can still be made, here.
Anthony jokes that “I’m not sure when I will sit back on my bike, but I am delighted to have achieved my sponsorship target raising funds for the amazing charity Together Co”.
