CHH CoNeX helps cyclists go the extra mile for Railway Children

The team, comprising brothers Philip and Robert Clayton, David Dear and Steve Harris from the IPS Group enrolled for the 286 kilometres (178 miles), three day cycling tour between Crystal Palace Tower in London and the Eiffel Tower in Paris with the aim of raising around £7,000 for children’s charity, the Railway Children.

CHH CoNeX’s £1,000 sponsorship will help the IPS team achieve the target amount which will then be donated to the charity and used to reach and protect more children from harm or abuse on the streets and, where possible, return them to their homes.

Steve Harris, Chairman of the IPS Group who received the sponsorship on behalf of the team said: “We have been supporters of the Railway Children Charity for many years. When we saw a video at one of the Charities’ events in London last November, which highlighted the plight of children who live on or around railway tracks and stations in many parts of the world, we knew we had to do more. Having worked in the rail industry for more than 20 years, the topic is naturally very close to our hearts and we all agreed that we needed to do something that apart from raising money also increased awareness of the charity and its aims. Subsequently, three of the Directors and I signed up immediately.

“Although we had prepared ourselves for the event the challenge was still gruelling both mentally and physically, but we kept reminding ourselves why we were doing this and we are delighted to have completed it. On behalf of the team I would also like to thank everyone who has supported us and particularly CHH CoNeX for its generous contribution.”

Overall, 30 people – the majority of whom work within the railway industry, completed the Railway Children London to Paris Bike Ride.

Tim Hughes, Managing Director of Witton-based CHH CoNeX who handed over the cheque, said: “It is great to see so many industry professionals getting involved and going through physical challenges themselves to help make a difference to the lives of vulnerable children.

“As a manufacturing business working with a number of industries including transport, security, medical, energy, telecoms, aerospace, defence and industrial; we are conscious that our actions affect those communities around us and it is very rewarding when we are able to give back and make a positive contribution in this way. Well done to Steve and his team for completing the challenge!”