Photo credit: Epic Action Imagery. Richard (left) at the Ipswich Cycle Swarm in September 2018.

Richard Meyerowitz, Client Consultant from Fine & Country Bury St Edmunds cycled 2,500 miles in 2018 to raise money for homelessness. With only minutes to spare, he completed his challenge.

Richard took part in numerous organised cycling races and built up the remaining miles with his cycling club and static bike.

We caught up with Richard to find out more about his challenge:

Why did you choose this challenge?

When I joined Fine & Country Bury St Edmunds in March 2018 I was made aware of The Foundation in my introductory training day at the Park Lane Head Office. It was shortly after this that I saw a press release of my colleague Clint Nykamp from the Solihull office who was running one of the races in the 12 Marathons Challenge. This got me thinking about how I could get involved. I already have a passion for cycling so this seemed like the perfect fundraiser for me. 

Why are you raising money for homelessness?

I spend my time visiting some of the most amazing and luxurious properties in the country, meeting wonderful people and helping them find their dream homes. I enjoy going to work each day and seeing the look on my clients’ faces when they are given the keys to their new house. I believe that everyone deserves a place to call home. A place that they feel safe, dry and relaxed. My livelihood is centred on providing this to our customers. I want to help more people and The Foundation has given me this opportunity. 

How did you feel when you reached 2,500 miles?

I completed the challenge with only hours to spare so my first feeling was relief! In November, I got quite ill and had to stop cycling for a few weeks. It was a struggle to complete the last 400 miles, especially as the cold weather set in and all I wanted to do was curl up in the evenings. Admittedly, cycling 260 miles between Christmas and New Year was not how in envisaged this challenge ending, but my motivation was steady in the knowledge that I am raising money for the homeless.

Do you plan to do anything else in 2019?

I have no official plans for 2019 yet. I will look to achieve between 2,500-3000 miles this year and focus on ascent in my training. I want to find a realistic target and equate that to something very tall, like Everest, and see how many times up it that would be. 

There is still time to support Richard’s challenge to raise money for homelessness. The donations will go into our spring grant pot, open from 1st-31st March 2019 for homeless charities to apply to up to £3,000 of funding. Donate here.

Take part in your own challenge! Sign up to an organised fundraiser on our events calendar, or contact us for a bespoke event to support a homeless charity of your choice. 

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