Putney Man Has Wheelie Great Fun

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Cycling the Champagne Bike Ride for NAS

Hugo Raymond, a broker at leading independent reinsurance and risk intermediary firm Benfield, along with five of his colleagues took part in a brilliant bike ride from London to Reims in France (6-9 June 2008), in aid of The National Autistic Society (NAS), the UK’s leading charity for people affected by autism.  

Hugo, from Putney, and his team joined 30 other cyclists on the Champagne Bike Ride. Over three-days the team cycled 400km from Greenwich through sleepy French villages and the poppy fields of the Somme region to Reims, the capital of the Champagne district.  Hugo chose to ride his bicycle for the NAS, not only to enjoy the challenge of the event but also because his son has autism. So far the team have raised over £9,000 which will help support NAS services including the Autism Helpline, Advocacy for Education Service, Befriending scheme, Parent to Parent support service and help! programme. 

Hugo said: “Taking part in the Champagne Bike Ride for the NAS was an amazing experience. I met so many fantastic people and I loved every minute. When the ride became tough I just reminded myself of my son and the over half a million other people in the UK with autism, that thought alone spurred me on to the finish!”  
Trevor Anderton, NAS Director of Fundraising, said: “By taking part in the Champagne Bike Ride Hugo and his team helped to raise vital funds for people affected by autism, which is a serious, lifelong and disabling condition.”

The National Autistic Society is the UK's leading charity for people with autistic spectrum disorders and their families.  Founded in 1962, it continues to spearhead national and international initiatives and provide a strong voice for all people with autism. The NAS provides a wide range of services to help people with autism and Asperger syndrome live their lives with as much independence as possible.

The NAS relies on the support of its members and donors to continue its vital work for people with autism.

June 20, 2008