Thirty-six employees from UK Power Networks swapped hard hats for cycling helmets to take part in the Palace-to-Palace challenge, a 50-mile ride from London to Surrey that raised £9,149 for The King's Trust.
The team set off at 8am on a misty autumn morning. The funds are intended to help tackle youth unemployment across the UK. The King's Trust supports young people by providing opportunities, training and confidence-building programmes to help them start careers and build brighter futures.
A personal connection to the cause
The mission holds particular meaning for Cesar Ruiz, an energy data scientist at UK Power Networks who joined the ride. It was the second fundraising event he has completed in support of The King's Trust; while studying in 2021 he received a scholarship that helped fund his education and pursue his career goals.
Ruiz described taking part as an unforgettable experience, saying the event supported a fantastic charity and was also a good chance to spend time with colleagues while giving something back to society. He said he had been fortunate to receive a scholarship while studying, and that it meant a great deal to now help provide similar opportunities for other young people, adding that having been in that position himself, such support can make a real difference.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of The King's Trust, celebrating five decades of helping young people develop skills, confidence and opportunities.