Cemex Wellness Cycle
Cemex UK and the charity Sense have joined forces to create The Cemex Wellness Cycle 2024:
An epic fundraising community challenge which hopes to inspire and bring together our network of localised communities across the UK. Whether you’re an avid cyclist or not, this is one for you to get behind, to support a very worthy cause.
We are warmly inviting and encouraging our value chain to join us in helping to raise vital funds for Sense and its dedicated work in the important area of supporting people with complex disabilities in the workplace and in their communities. Together we can achieve more – and by taking a collaborative approach with our colleagues, customers, suppliers and partners, we can make the greatest impact.
Day 1
From Stockton to Leeds
Early this morning, in the glorious sunshine, our amazing team of cyclists from Cemex UK, began their epic 5-day bike ride, riding 400 miles from the north of England down to the South. They were cheered on by colleagues from our Stockton Office who were there to wave them off.
Cemex UK and the charity Sense have joined forces to create The Cemex Wellness Cycle 2024; an epic fundraising community challenge which hopes to inspire and bring together our network of localised communities across the UK.
You can follow the cyclist's progress here: https://livetrack.garmin.com/session/3adb4e66-1f1d-8d2c-a5fb-acf764be1c00/token/144E9D8E28FB0EED3A91C2813654EB
Joining the cyclists we welcomed the Mayor of the Tees Valley, the Rt Hon. Ben Houchen, to fire the starting pistol on the fundraising effort. Dave Hart, Supply Chain Director was also there to cheer on the team. He said: “Cemex are committed to creating a collaborative workplace, which empowers everyone to achieve their full potential. We want to ensure that we foster an environment which is truly inclusive, where everyone feels a sense of belonging. Our ambitions in this area directly align with the incredible work that, Sense, carry out on a daily basis and we want to use this event to really shine a spotlight on the work that they do in supporting people with complex disabilities to reach their full potential.”
Running throughout the week, our Cemex Wellness Week is inviting employees from across the UK business to get involved by building competitive spirt, getting active and raising money for Sense.
Chiedza's Blog:
We kicked off Cemex Wellness Week with a bang as nine dedicated riders embarked on the first part of the challenging 400 mile ride from the Cemex Stockton-on-Tees office in Durham to Leeds. With 89 miles covered in day one, the team seemed to get on very well.
Despite a few unexpected twists, turns, and extra miles while navigating out of Stockton, the team remained in high spirits. Day one was all about building camaraderie, as the cyclists came from various parts of the business and hadn't had the chance to ride together before this event.
Day 2
From Leeds to Dove Holes
The team were in great spirits as they started off from Leeds Readymix Plant this morning. They made great progress even though the going was tough with lots of hills! They pit stopped for lunch at Sheffield Readymix Plant where John Parker and the site team were there to meet them!
You can track their progress here! https://www.strava.com/beacon/QDyUH7SUily
They are currently on their way to Dove Holes Quarry where they expect to arrive around 4pm this afternoon.
Day 3
Dove Holes to Head Office, Coventry
As the Cemex Wellness bike ride enters Day 3, the weather is staying kind and the cyclists are making good progress riding south from our Dove Holes Quarry, towards our Head Office in the Midlands.
The cyclists were joined by the MP for High Peak, Jon Pearce, at our Dove Holes Quarry this morning, and cheered on their way by colleagues from the quarry!
As you will see from the photos the cyclists have been riding through some of the UK's most stunning scenery, and up some gruelling hills through the Derbyshire Peak District!
The Cemex Wellness Cycle 2024 builds on this desire with a fundraising event to embrace and inspire positive change. By shining a bright spotlight on Sense, we hope to raise awareness of the charity’s important aim – ultimately helping to support Sense to develop more inclusive working environments, reduce the barriers to employment and focus on creating opportunities, so that more people with complex disabilities can experience the world and fulfil their potential. So far we have raised an amazing total for Sense £7,287. If you would like to support please click here: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/cemexwellnessweek
You can follow the cyclist's progress today here: https://www.strava.com/beacon/3PNzK7xaGl7
Day 4
From Rugby Cement Plant to High Wycombe
Our incredible team of cyclists cycled an epic 100 miles (160km) yesterday - such an amazing achievement, particularly following the steep and long Peak District hills the day before! The day ended with the team arriving at our Head Office in Coventry, to a huge cheer and welcome from our colleagues.
Day 4 began this morning at our Rugby Cement Plant where they were joined by Rugby Rugby MP, John Slinger who also donated to Sense. The team was also joined by Simon Hall the West Midlands Combined Authority lead for Wellbeing. He shared “One of the principal aims of the West Midlands Combined Authority is to work together to support our communities and build a fairer, healthier and more inclusive West Midlands. It’s great to see Cemex taking a lead in promoting wellbeing and inclusion across their employees and within the wider community.”
After leaving the cement plant, the team made a short pit stop at the Sense charity shop in Rugby then on to the UK Technical Centre in Southam and were again greeted by a cheering crowd of colleagues and much needed refreshments..
You can track their progress today here: https://www.strava.com/beacon/Fz08Rpe0zfb
So far our fundraising community challenge has raised £7,780 for Sense. The Charity Sense exists to support people living with complex disabilities, and those who are deafblind, to take part in life and enjoy meaningful connections that spark joy. One of the many ways that Sense can help people with complex disabilities is by offering employment support through their Sense Employment Programme.
Well done to our amazing team of cyclists, to their support team and to everyone supporting them at our Cemex sites. We're so proud of you all.
Day 5
High Wycombe to Southampton
Today is the final day of our Cemex Wellness Cycle. The team left High Wycombe early this morning, stopping at Bramshill Quarry where they were fed and watered by the welcoming quarry team. They are now peddling their last leg down to Southampton where they will be met by our UK Marine team late this afternoon.
You can track their final day's progress today by clicking here: https://www.strava.com/beacon/JnbKvtc2zyV
We've now raised over £8000, helping to support Sense to develop more inclusive working environments, reduce the barriers to employment and focus on creating opportunities, so that more people with complex disabilities can experience the world and fulfil their potential.
You can support our incredible team of cyclists by donating via our JustGiving page - https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/cemexwellnessweek - Thank you!
Cemex Wellness Week
The Cemex Wellness Week is a fantastic opportunity for all our Cemex UK employees to prioritise our wellbeing, get Fit4Life, and explore new ways to stay active. Together, we are fostering a positive team spirit, building healthy habits and supporting our fundraising activates with activities to boost our health and wellbeing. We have lots of fun and healthy fund raising initiatives planned at our Cemex sites across the UK.
We've now raised over £8000, helping to support Sense to develop more inclusive working environments, reduce the barriers to employment and focus on creating opportunities, so that more people with complex disabilities can experience the world and fulfil their potential.
You can support our incredible team of cyclists and our colleagues in their fundraising efforts, by donating via our JustGiving page - https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/cemexwellnessweek - Thank you!
Why are we doing this?
At Cemex, our talented people are the foundation on which our company stands. Coming from different countries, cultures, and backgrounds, our people’s diversity makes our company a stronger, more exciting environment in which to excel.
By fostering an inclusive, dynamic, and diverse workplace, we embrace our unique strengths to create shared opportunities for innovation, learning, and growth. Together, we will build a better future for our families, our customers, and the communities in which we live and work.
The Cemex Wellness Cycle 2024 builds on this desire with a fundraising event to embrace and inspire positive change. By shining a bright spotlight on Sense, we hope to raise awareness of the charity’s important aim – ultimately helping to support Sense to develop more inclusive working environments, reduce the barriers to employment and focus on creating opportunities, so that more people with complex disabilities can experience the world and fulfil their potential.
About the Challenge
During the week of Monday 16th to Friday 20th September, a group of Cemex employees from various operating sites will be taking part in The Cemex Wellness Cycle 2024 - an epic 5-day cycle ride, covering 400 miles, taking on the length of the British isles. Starting at Cemex’s Stockton-on-Tees office in County Durham the challenge will finish up with a grand finale at our Southampton office.
Cemex employees will be supporting the challenge across the UK, with initiatives planned at our Cemex sites along the cycling route, to build community and provide further opportunities for fundraising support.
The Journey
The ride will take in several Cemex sites en route; including Dove Holes quarry in the Peak District, Cemex UK Head Office, Binley in Coventry and our Rugby cement plant, also in the Midlands.
How you can help?
1. Donate:
Any amount, big or small, it makes a huge difference. You can donate directly on our JustGiving fundraising page.
2. Fundraise:
You can join in the fundraising fun and create own fundraising page linked to the Cemex Wellness Week by clicking 'Start Fundraising' on our JustGiving page. Take part in something that boosts your personal wellbeing i.e. a sponsored walk or step challenge, a virtual cycling event, learn British Sign Language or hold a Sensational Tea Party in the work place (materials provided by Sense).
3. Share:
Spread the word - Share this page with your friends, family, and social networks.
For other sponsorship/ donation opportunities, or to register your interest please click to reveal:
Social Media Hashtag: #collaboratingfor communities, #breakingbarriers
About Sense
As a charity, Sense exists to support people living with complex disabilities, and those who are deafblind, to take part in life and enjoy meaningful connections that spark joy. Thousands of people with complex disabilities, and those who are deafblind, are still missing out on the vital support they need.
Sense has almost 70 years of expertise in providing personalised support for people with complex disabilities and people who are deafblind. The charity’s network of community-based centres caters for people at all stages of life, from early years to adulthood, offering residential care, virtual support and lifelong opportunities to be creative and active.
Sense holidays, arts, sports and wellbeing programmes are also available for disabled people all across the country. In addition to practical support, the charity also campaigns for the rights of people with complex disabilities to take part in life.
Sense’s goal is to support ten times more people living with complex disabilities by 2026. That’s 50,000 more people over 5 years. But to do that, they need everyone connected to Sense to come together in support. No one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Sense welcomes the opportunity through its fundraising partners and supporters to come together in pursuit of a shared aim, to make a real difference.
About Cemex
Founded in 1906, Cemex has grown from a small local player into a market leader in the building materials industry, both in the UK and internationally. In addition to ready-mixed concrete, cement and aggregates we also supply and install asphalt materials, manufacture concrete block paving, rail products, bespoke pre-cast and concrete blocks. We operate a comprehensive national supply network which supports 138 mixing plants to ensure efficient delivery to virtually any location in the UK.
With 22 UK quarries Cemex employs around 2200 people who work to our core values that underpin our commitment to corporate and social responsibility and sustainability. Globally, Cemex employs approximately 47,000 people working in more than 50 countries around the world. Diversity is an intrinsic part of our culture. We ensure that all employees, no matter where they are located, have an opportunity to contribute and succeed.
