OSB Group’s Jon Hall peddles home £6,000 for hospice

18 September 2023

Cycling 183 miles over 3 days from Paris to Sittingbourne doesn’t sound like everyone’s idea of a fun weekend but knowing your efforts are helping to raise much needed funds for a children’s hospice is exactly why Jon Hall, Group Managing Director, Mortgages and Savings, OSB Group took up the challenge along with Christina Fasoli, Canterbury Branch Manager for Kent Reliance (one of OSB Group’s savings brands). Having started in Paris on Friday 15th, they reached the finish line yesterday (Sunday 17th September) after a gruelling 15 hours in the saddle.

Demelza, which operates across Kent, South East London and East Sussex, provides local children and young people who have serious or life-limiting conditions with the care and attention they need to live the most fulfilling life they can, and ensure they have the opportunity to build memories, for however long they have.

The duo’s fundraising efforts have generated over 100 donations so far currently totalling over £6,000 for the charity, but now that they have successfully crossed the finish line it’s anticipated that this figure will rise.

With these funds, Demelza could use:
• £5,000 to pay for 50 families to receive an evening of respite care - giving families a break while their child is cared for by the expert care team in their home or at one of the hospices
• £2,500 could pay for a Health Care Assistant for around a month* - providing dedicated care to individuals at home or in one of the hospices

Jon Hall, Group Managing Director, Mortgages and Savings, OSB Group added:
“This has been a huge challenge for us both and crossing the finishing line, along with the other cyclists, was really moving. Powered by a great deal adrenaline, news of the donations coming in and some extra help from energy gels, we’ve completed 183 miles for this amazing charity who do wonderful work across the southeast of England. Thanks to everyone who has donated and supported us on this journey!”

Louise Earl, Corporate Partnerships Account Manager at Demelza, said:
“Kent Reliance do so much for Demelza, we are incredibly lucky to have their support. The staff get involved at all levels – volunteering to help at events, getting us tickets for days out for Demelza families and so much more.

Jon and Christina have taken on this epic challenge to raise money for us and we could not be more grateful. We cherish the relationship that we have with Kent Reliance and their staff. Thank you so much for taking part in the ride, I hope you’ve been given some time off for a rest now!”

You can still support Demelza by sponsoring Jon and Christina on their cycling challenge, please click here for the justgiving page.

*28 days

Donations are still open so if you would like to donate, please click here for the justgiving page.