Cyclists gear up for 200 mile charity challenge in support of Macmillan Cancer Support

4 June 2026
3 mins

Colleagues, partners and supporters are preparing to take on a gruelling 200 mile cycling challenge to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support. 

The two day charity bike ride, taking place on 17 and 18 June, will see riders cover more than 200 miles across Wales, Worcestershire and the Cotswolds as part of our first major fundraising event for our new corporate charity partner. 

The challenge begins with a demanding 101 mile route from Aberystwyth to Worcester, featuring almost 8000 feet of climbing through some of England and Wales’ most scenic landscapes.  On the second day, riders will tackle a 105 mile loop from Worcester through the Cotswolds before returning to our Central Park office. 

The event forms part of our new two year partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support, which was recently selected by colleagues as our Corporate Charity Partner for 2026 to 2028. 

Macmillan provides practical, emotional and financial support to people living with cancer and their families, helping ensure no one faces cancer alone. 

The ride builds on the success of last year’s challenge, which raised more than £15,000 through individual fundraising and corporate sponsorship.  Organisers are hoping to exceed that total in 2026. 

Among those taking part is Duncan Palmer, our Head of Localities for the Severn region, who has already raised more than £5,000 through sponsorship. 

Duncan said: “The bike ride is always a fantastic event that brings colleagues, partners and supporters together for a great cause.  The challenge is tough, particularly the Aberystwyth route, but knowing the money raised will help Macmillan supporting people and families affected by cancer makes every mile worthwhile. 

“The support we have received so far has been incredible and we’re hoping to raise as much as possible over the two days.” 

The event will be fully supported, with vehicles accompanying riders throughout the route carrying luggage, refreshments and bike maintenance equipment. 

Alongside our colleagues, external riders from partner organisations, contractors and suppliers are also expected to take part. 

Clare Durnin, our Chief People and Excellence Officer said: “We’re incredibly proud to be supporting Macmillan Cancer Support as our Corporate Charity Partner and this bike ride is a fantastic way to kick start our fundraising efforts. 

“Macmillan provides life changing support to people facing some of the most difficult circumstances imaginable and every pound raised through this challenge will help them continue that vital work. 

“We’re grateful to everyone taking part, sponsoring riders or supporting the event in any way, and we wish all of the cyclists the very best of luck.” 

Kate McGrory, Relationship Fundraising Manager at Macmillan Cancer Support said: “We’re incredibly grateful to everyone taking part in Platform Housing Group’s charity bike ride and to those supporting the challenge through donations and sponsorship. 

“Every pound raised will help Macmillan continue to provide vital emotional, practical and financial support to people living with cancer and their loved ones.  We know that cancer can affect every aspect of someone’s life and, thanks to partnerships like this, we can continue to be there for people when they need us most. 

“We’re excited to be starting our new partnership with Platform and look forward to seeing the difference we can make together over the next two years.”   

Photo caption : Among those taking part is Duncan Palmer, Head of Localities for the Severn region at Platform Property Care, who has already raised more than £5,000 through sponsorship.