On 18th/19th September 2021, a determined group of employees and friends of Edens Landscapes took on the mighty challenge of cycling just over 140-miles from Edens’ HQ in West Parley, Dorset, to Big Ben in Westminster – all in aid of raising vital donations for local mental health charity, Dorset Mind.
They were riding in memory of two former colleagues, who they sadly lost earlier this year. Pete Edmunds in March and Jon Burt in mid-July. Nine members of the team took part in the challenge: Kevin, Paul, Lewis, Pete, Alex T, Alex W, Chris and Eddie. Poignantly, they were joined by Daniel, Peter Edmund’s brother and two support drivers, Jon and James.
During the last year everyone has been affected by the pandemic. Edens Landscapes are aware of the detrimental impact it has had on mental health. Earlier this year they approached Dorset Mind about becoming a charity partner in order to raise awareness, inspire people to talk more – and to not be afraid to reach out for help if they need it.
This was Edens Landscapes’ first fundraiser for the charity and it’s one of the charity’s largest grossing fundraisers to date. The total currently stands at £10,126, with a considerable amount of this being donated via text.
What’s more the team hasn’t stopped there! Deputy Maintenance Manager, Dan Irish, will run the Bournemouth Half Marathon this coming weekend on Sunday 10th October, which also coincides with World Mental Health Day.
Marianne Storey, CEO of Dorset Mind comments, “What a phenomenal effort we’ve seen from the Edens Landscapes team! 140 miles is a considerable distance to cycle. We were delighted to see the team encourage each other along the way, spurred on by raising donations. Physical exercise has the additional benefit of encouraging positive wellbeing. We hope the team are proud of themselves for achieving this in memory of their colleagues. It’s a touching tribute.
The incredible amount they’ve fundraised could enable us to deliver essential programmes of education and wellbeing for two schools, making a life-changing difference to approximately 5,000 students, teachers and parents in Dorset; or two weekly adult wellbeing support groups for a year, that supports local people with debilitating common mental health issues such as anxiety, stress, or depression. We’re incredibly grateful for this support and congratulate the team, the directors – and their support crew.”
Kevin Martin, Director of Edens Landscapes says, “We are so very proud of the way everyone at Edens has pulled together to put in time training, supporting, and undertaking this incredible challenge in what has been a very difficult time. We’d like to thank the fantastic generosity of everyone who has donated to this fundraiser in Peter and Jon’s name. They are sorely missed by our team.”
If you’d like to show support for Edens Landscapes’ remarkable cycle ride, there’s still time to donate to Dorset Mind via this link: bit.ly/JustGivingEdensLandscapes.
Any amount you can spare, however big or small will enable us to help someone locally who needs our support.