August 2009

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Rob's cycling challenge for charity

A Capula engineer is celebrating after achieving one of his lifetime ambitions, while raising a significant amount for charity in the process. Keen mountain biker Rob Watts, 24, cycled a total of 989 miles from Lands End to John O'Groats last month with three friends to raise more than £2000 for the Midlands Air Ambulance.

While many who complete such a challenge are often supported by a vehicle carrying their gear, the group took on the expedition totally unsupported, taking everything they needed with them on a unique route that was more than six months in the planning and 14 days in the execution.

It was an approach that ultimately brought much satisfaction upon completing the trek, but wasn't without its drawbacks - repairs needed to Rob's bike meant a major diversion to a bike shop and the group managing just 40 miles that day, well short of the 70 miles average required to complete the challenge in the time allocated.

"We had to make up the miles another day, which was tough," said Rob, a Graduate Systems Engineer at Capula's head office in Stone, "and it wasn't pleasant having to put wet shoes on every morning, or having to pitch your own tent each night after having cycled for 70 odd miles! But it was an experience I'll never forget - it had been an ambition of ours for a long time and I'm extremely proud of the achievement."

Of the total raised, more than £550 came in the form of sponsorships from Capula staff, including a £250 sponsorship on behalf of the company.

"Rob arrived at Capula through our highly successful graduate recruitment programme," said Chief Executive Roger Turner, "and we congratulate him on what is a fine personal achievement and also in raising an excellent total for a very worthy cause."

Capula's graduate recruitment programme has seen more than 20 new graduates join the company over the past 18 months. If you would like further information, please e-mail our Business Development Team: sales@capula.co.uk