AFPA Trust’s BIG Cycle: London-Paris ride powers past £40,000 for charity

Braving biblical rain, 20–40mph headwinds and thousands of feet of climbing, the group has raised almost £40,000 for a dozen-plus charities – the biggest single-event fundraising total yet for AFPA Trust’s sporting challenges.

Robert Taylor, Chair of AFPA Trust and BIG Cycle rider, said: “What an adventure! I could not be prouder of the AFPA Trust BIG Cycle riders that braved the elements to get to Paris safely. We have raised an enormous sum of money for a dozen charities and that is what this ride was about – coming together as a group to raise awareness and vital funds for multiple causes.

The route and the ride

• Day 1 (London to Dover to Calais): A rolling, hilly opener with 5,000 ft of climbing and 90 miles in the saddle. Conditions were kind early on, though a stiffening headwind greeted riders as they rolled onto the evening ferry to Calais.
• Day 2 (Calais to Amiens): What should have been a steadier endurance day became brutal as Storm Amy arrived. Long drags turned into “mountains,” with 20–40mph headwinds rendering downhills flat and rain making every mile a grind.
• Day 3 (Amiens to Paris): Grit carried the peloton through a final stretch of long, shallow climbs. Then, mercifully, an hour before the finish, the rain stopped, the wind eased and the group enjoyed a gentle roll through the suburbs, taking in the Parisian landmarks before a well-earned celebration.

Along the way, there were moments of comedy and true resilience: James Rudolf lost the bottom of his shoe and rode on regardless; Jim Higginbotham briefly “lost a wheel” (ultimately reported found in Holland); and Robert Taylor’s trusted Enzo gave up halfway, forcing him to tackle 20 miles in limited gears before finishing Paris on two different borrowed bikes – including up some monster hills. Most riders gave up on the idea of dry socks and shoes after failed hotel radiator attempts, relying on spares to push on.

Dominic Hughes, Managing Director, BPCE Equipment Solutions UK, noted: “The BIG Cycle was tremendous fun, a great experience and one I will never forget. We have also made a lasting impression with the money raised to our various charities.”

Why they rode

• Robert Taylor – Nordoff & Robbins Music Therapy
• Mark Lyons – Unbeatable Eva Foundation
• Dominic Hughes – Richmond Borough Mind
• Don Brayshaw – Charlie’s Promise
• Edward Thompson – AFPA Trust
• Isaac Kennedy – Coach Core
• James Rudolf – Motor Neurone Disease Association
• Jim Higginbotham – Unbeatable Eva Foundation
• Justin Hubble – Challenge 51 (Royal Marsden)
• Peter Golding – Royal Marsden
• Stuart Williams – Lindsey Lodge Hospice
• Tim Canham – Kent, Surrey & Sussex Air Ambulance
• Philip Benke – St Michael’s Hospice
• Ben Nadel – Tommy’s Baby Charity
• Neil Edwards – AFPA Trust

The finish in Paris was marked with a celebratory dinner – stories swapped, miles compared, and a few beers enjoyed – capping a truly memorable three days on and off the bike.

“It was a fantastic experience shared with an incredible group of individuals from the asset finance sector, and I’m truly proud to have been part of the journey. After this, I feel ready to take on only the big challenges!”

Continuing the momentum

In 2025 alone (before the BIG Cycle), AFPA Trust had already donated £43,000 to 18 charities, and the BIG Cycle pushes that total even higher, delivering tangible support where it’s needed most.

As the year draws to a close, the Trust is set to celebrate the season with two more events for the asset finance community: its annual Festive Drinks gathering and the much-loved 12 Days of AFPA Trust Christmas campaign, both of which promise to continue the spirit of connection, generosity and fun that defines the AFPA Trust community.

What’s next?

AFPA Trust extends heartfelt thanks to everyone who sponsored and supported the riders. The question now is, simply: what’s next? The spirit of this ride – perseverance, camaraderie and purpose – has set the bar for future challenges.

Donations are still open at the links above, so please support the BIG Cycle riders’ efforts and help push the total beyond the £40,000 milestone.

To learn more about AFPA Trust’s BIG Cycle or other events, contact Robert Taylor at rtaylor@ltisolutions.com or visit the AFPA Trust website.