“Our Community Matters”
Charity bike ride

Nuvias UC Big Bike 2022 for Ukraine

Wednesday 11th May 2022

Nuvias UC, a technology distribution specialist, are poised to undertake a challenging sponsored bike ride in memory of their late colleague Carl Smith. On Thursday 16th June, the team, who are predominantly local to West Berkshire, will set off from their UK HQ in Newbury Business Park all the way to their offices in Cwmbran, Monmouthshire. After a night’s recuperation, they will ride back on the 17th June. The 220-mile round trip will be in aid of The British Red Cross Society’s Ukraine Crisis Appeal, for which Nuvias UC are hoping to raise £5,000.

Nuvias UC had been planning a tribute in Carl Smith’s memory since he sadly passed away in October. Anna Skolasinska-Barnett, who was relatively new to the business, mooted the idea of a sponsored bike ride to Nuvias UC COO, Mark Purdom. Mark was keen to get the team involved, although he wanted to make sure that it would not be a ‘walk in the park’ and that he, Anna and the other riders would have to get out of their ‘comfort zone’. Taking advantage of the company’s ‘open-door policy’, Anna went to see Nuvias UC CEO, Jeremy Keefe, who gave the scheme a green light and suggested that riding to Wales and back would fulfil Mark’s desire for a challenge and be a fitting tribute to Carl.

The original plan was to raise money for three charities that Carl was fond of. As the crisis in Ukraine unfolded, however, the team agreed unanimously to focus their efforts on raising funds for this vitally important cause. Around this time, Anna came to Swift—who have been partnered with Nuvias UC for a number of years—for a catch-up meeting with Michael Spence, Group Operations Director. Anna mentioned the charity bike ride, as she had heard of Swift’s own involvement in providing aid to Ukraine. Anna asked if Swift could help out, and Michael was very happy to.

Once the plan had been worked out, it became clear that a support vehicle would be needed to carry provisions and ensure the safety of the riders. Michael offered the use of the specially wrapped Swift Luton van that had been to Ukraine and offered to provide a driver to cover the whole trip. As he said:

“All of us at Swift are determined to do whatever we can to support Ukraine. When Anna told me about the bike ride for The Ukraine Crisis appeal, we were only too happy to contribute. It’s an honour to support a valued client in such an important endeavour. We wish the whole team at Nuvias UC the best of luck and will support them every step of the way.”

Alex Brown, one of the Nuvias UC team who will be taking on the challenge, said:

“I jumped at the opportunity to take part in this fundraising for this appeal. It’s going to be a real challenge and will test us all, but the experience and the rewards in sponsorship will be worth it.”

If you’d like to support by donating to the British Red Cross, please visit the dedicated Just Giving page.

Donate now

Please contact Ned Pattenden or call 07894 079 700

“Our Community Matters”