LONDON and South operations manager Steve Sockett will be pushing himself to the limit as he prepares to take on a new charity challenge later this year.

Steve has already raised an awesome amount for Great Ormond Street Hospital by completing the most recent London to Brighton cycle ride before the pandemic hit major fundraising events.

He and his 16-year-old son Lewis between them brought in £1,700 to support the hospital’s work caring for sick children and their families, contributing to the £100 million it needs every year to remain at the front of paediatric medicine.

With hundreds of other riders, they cycled 54 miles from the capital through picturesque countryside followed by a gruelling climb up Ditchling Beacon – at 248 metres it’s the highest point in East Sussex -  before gliding down to Brighton seafront.

Said Steve: “Lewis was treated at Great Ormond Street when he was younger so it’s a place that’s really close to my heart. We both wanted to give something back to thank the hospital for the wonderful care he received there.”

As well as allowing him to get into gear to raise money for good causes, Steve’s wheels are also a route to health and fitness. After buying his cycle through the Bike2Work scheme,  is aimed at getting more people on their bikes to encourage healthier lifestyles and to help reduce environmental pollution. By offering tax savings, the national scheme gives a company’s employees a cost-effective way to hit the road.

As yet, Steve hasn’t decided which charity he’ll be supporting this year. But he’ll soon be getting into gear for another major cycling challenge – look out for updates about his plans and help boost his fundraising.