Lifeline – ABTA’s charity that supports professionals in the travel industry, – is putting together a special day to bring together colleagues and fellow cycling enthusiasts, from beginners to die-hard athletes, at a velodrome charity event.
On 12 October, ABTA LifeLine, sponsored by Avis Budget Group, are offering the extraordinary opportunity to ride the circuit in the fastest track in the world: the historic Lee Valley VeloPark (the Velodrome). Everyone who joins Ride for your LifeLine – whether to race or support the cause – will then have the unique chance to have supper in the middle of the track.
Located on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London, this state-of-the-art venue is easily accessed from Stratford Station, which offers a variety of train and London Underground links. The iconic velodrome is a favourite among Olympians and professional cycling athletes. Successful Team GB Olympians who have taken this track include Sir Chris Hoy, Dame Sarah Storey, Laura and Jason Kenny, Geraint Thomas and Philip Hindes.
ABTA LifeLine Director, Trudie Clements, said: “Ride for your LifeLine is an event for everyone – so why not make this a special personal challenge, a team building exercise, a networking opportunity or a chance to bring family and friends along to help travel colleagues in need. The end of the furlough scheme is affecting many in the industry and people are reaching out to ABTA LifeLine for help every week. This is a chance to support our peers at a time when they need most.”
Claire Mulligan, who leads the travel team at Kennedy’s law firm, is cycling at the event next week. She said: “I’ve never cycled on a velodrome before, so this will be an exciting first experience for me – and in one of the most iconic sporting venues in the world, too. As well as the opportunity to have this once-in-a-lifetime experience, I think it’s a chance to bring everyone in the industry together for a good, charitable cause, after so many months where we couldn’t do it.”
For only £100 donation, participants will get a fun day out including:
Equipment hire – bike, helmet, gloves and cleats
Top coaches will be on hand to help participants hone their technique and get ready for the sprint race
Refreshments and afternoon tea – sandwiches, scones and tea, to keep energy levels up
Adrenaline-fueled track sprint race followed by an award ceremony
Access to changing facilities (including showers)
A delicious supper in the middle of the track
Sense of joy: 100% of the donation will go directly to LifeLine to help colleagues in the travel industry who need it most
Those who would like to take part but don’t wish to cycle can still attend. Spectators are asked to contribute with £45 to watch the exciting race, join the athletes for supper and donate to LifeLine.
This event will take place the day before the Travel Convention with cycling between 1pm and 5pm and supper at 6pm. There are 32 cycling spots available.
ABTA LifeLine needs support
Every week, colleagues in the travel industry struggling with financial, practical and mental health problems reach out to ABTA LifeLine for support. Donations help colleagues, both past and present, in a number of ways: it may help someone with an illness or disability, provide counselling support, replace a washing machine, provide essential food vouchers or help fund training to support someone get back into work.
How to book a place at Ride for your LifeLine
Select the number of tickets you require during the online registration process for the Travel Convention. If you have already registered, email natalie@dellardavies.com to add the Ride for your LifeLine to your booking.
If you would like to join the race but are not attending the Travel Convention, if you would like to register as a spectator or if you have any questions about Ride for your LifeLine, please contact Trudie Clements at tclements@abta.co.uk or call 0203 693 0170.
