A manager of investment specialist UKSE rode twice the distance of a suicide prevention charity cycle challenge after his colleague had to drop out due to injury.

Regional manager Steve Grice and regional executive Mike Lowe from the UKSE West Midlands team had planned to ride 100km (62 miles) together from Stoke on Trent to Coventry to raise vital funds for Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM).

When Mike fractured an ankle just days before the event on Wednesday (July 29), rather than postponing Steve rode both ways along urban roads and winding country lanes to generate donations for UKSE’s charity of the year.

With temperatures close to 30 degrees Celsius, Steve began at Stoke-on-Trent railway station and set off on a route which included passing landmarks like Stoke City’s Britannia Stadium, Blithfield Reservoir, the National Memorial Arboretum in Alrewas, Kingsbury Water Park and the Cyclists War Memorial in Meriden, all the way to Coventry railway station.

Rather than halting there, Steve turned around and retraced his journey, taking time to call in at Lichfield Cathedral along the way.
Steve said: “When Mike had to pull out, there was no way I was going to let our fundraising for CALM stall, so turning it into a 200km (124 miles) return journey felt the only right option.

“Passing incredible landmarks along the route through the region made it enjoyable. Supporting the vital suicide prevention work that CALM delivers every day was a great motivation so I am proud that our efforts will help those facing their own toughest battles.”

Mike added: “In training for the ride I fractured my ankle while I was out running, so congratulations to Steve for taking on my share of the ride.

“UKSE is committed to making a positive impact to good causes in the region where we operate so we are sure the funds raised will allow CALM to continue their good work.”

Established in 2005, CALM provides tools, resources and a helpline for people living in crisis find the tools to manage their wellbeing and ultimately prevent suicide.

Steve and Mike regularly combine their passion for cycling and networking through their popular Networking on Two Wheels events, which have been running since 2023 and offers fitness, fresh air and the chance to connect with like-minded people.

Providing strategic funding of up to £1m to generate growth, create jobs and bolster the economy, UKSE is the regeneration arm of Tata Steel.

The West Midlands team, based in Keys Business Village, Cannock, support SMEs across Birmingham, the Black Country, Coventry, Staffordshire and Telford.

Supporting communities since 1975, UKSE makes equity investments, ensuring management stays in control and offering a flexible exit policy.

• To support the cycle ride, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/page/uksemidlandsbikeride