Castel Underwriting Agencies Ltd (Castel) is well on track to raise over £250,000 for charity Cure Parkinson’s with its first ‘office2office’ bike ride having raised £196,000 in corporate sponsorship already. The ride covers an impressive 480km from its London to Amsterdam offices travelling through four countries. 40 riders from across the London insurance market have signed up for the three day event starting in Lime Street on 11 May.
Behind Castel, one of the event’s key sponsors is Aegis London, whose Head of Underwriting Insight, Simon Cooper, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s at 52 and will be taking part on the ‘office2office’ trip. Speaking about the ride and his diagnosis, Cooper said: “We have been overwhelmed by the support shown to our fundraising efforts from companies throughout the London market and beyond. With the 40 riders pledging to raise at least £1,000 each we are hopeful of exceeding our target.”
“Parkinson’s is a fascinating disease, randomly acquired, and despite being the fastest growing neurological condition globally it has been underinvested in ever since it was first identified in London over 200 years ago. Charities like Cure Parkinson’s are essential for initiating really innovative research that is not immediately commercial enough for “big pharma”. Their worldwide reputation makes them a driving force in slowing, stopping and reversing Parkinson’s.”
Castel’s CEO, Mark Birrell said: “After two false starts due to Covid, I’m delighted our office2office ride and fundraising effort is now going ahead. The response from friends and contacts from across the London market has been incredible and I would like to publicly thank the many insurers and brokers who have supported us. The cause is a very worthwhile one and something which is very close to Simon and I. We look forward to riding to Amsterdam in cycle shirts emblazoned with the logos of over 60 companies. Please do get in touch and help us play a part in finding a cure for Parkinson’s.”