In August, we’ll be taking part in the Tour de Partnership — a charity cycle ride organised by Border to Coast. The event celebrates their partnership with local government pension funds while raising money for charities that support local communities.

As part of the challenge, Ewan McCulloch, Chief Stakeholder Officer at Border to Coast, will cycle almost 1,300 kilometres across England in just ten days. The route includes more than 9,900 metres of climbing — a greater ascent than climbing Mount Everest — and will take Ewan from Cumbria and Tyne & Wear all the way down to Kent and Sussex, stopping at each Partner Fund along the journey.

Mike Batty and Rachel Cowburn from Bedfordshire Pension Fund will be joining Ewan on the Bedford to Cambridge leg of the ride to help support this incredible challenge and raise money for an important local cause.

Each Partner Fund has nominated a local children’s charity to support, and our team has chosen FACES Bedford.

FACES Bedford supports local children and families facing challenges including mental health difficulties, domestic abuse, poverty, and SEND. Through family support groups, school-based support, early-help services, and volunteer-led community programmes, they provide practical and emotional support to families who need it most.

Alongside the cycle ride, we’ll also be holding additional fundraising events including bake sales, a Mario Kart tournament, and a World Cup sweepstake to help raise as much money as possible for this fantastic cause.

Every donation, no matter the size, will help FACES Bedford continue supporting children and families across our local community. Thank you so much for your support.