AutoCoding Systems colleagues, Aled Edwards and Nicola Bebbington, have recently taken part in two separate gruelling events.  After months of training, Software Developer, Aled and Partner Business Support Manager, Nicola embarked on a 900 mile “JOGLE” bike ride (John O’Groats to Lands’ End) and a “Deva Divas Triathlon” respectively.

Aled and his 6 fellow cyclists set off from John O’Groats with the objective of arriving at Lands’ End 9 days later, having cycled 900 miles.  The team, made up of non-cyclists and amateurs, achieved their goal in the allotted time and in so doing, raised over £6,500 for their chosen charity, Breast Cancer Care*.  Considering their target was £3,000, they surpassed all expectations.  Aled and his fellow team members admitted they had found the experience not only a huge physical challenge, but had taxed them mentally too; knowing each day they were faced with another 100 mile ride.  However, the Breast Cancer Care charity is close to the heart of one member of the team in particular and this gave them the motivation and determination to carry on.

Nicola, a recent member of the Chester Triathlon Club, kept the fact that she was entering the Deva Divas Triathlon a close guarded secret.  She wanted to ensure she could complete the 3 stages successfully, having never attempted anything similar in the past.  The annual event is a short distance, ladies only race with the emphasis on fun whilst encouraging more women to train and participate in an achievable challenge.  Nicola completed the 750 m swim, the 25 km bike ride and the 5 km run within her 2 hour target, spurred on by family and friends and finished 141/277 participants; a very respectable result for a first timer.  Although she admitted to finding the bike ride tough going, it wasn’t enough to deter her from signing up again for next year’s event when she’ll be swimming, cycling and running for charity. 

* Breast Cancer Care are the only UK wide charity providing care, information and support to people affected by breast cancer. They combine the personal experiences of people affected by breast cancer with clinical expertise, using this in a unique way to:

  • provide information and offer emotional and practical support
  • bring people affected by breast cancer together
  • campaign for improvement in standards of support and care
  • promote the importance of early detection

For more information, contact Janet Harrison – Tel : + 44 (0)1928 790444
Email : janetharrison@autocodingsystems.com    /   Web : www.autocodingsystems.com