North Hertfordshire College’s Finance Director, Paul Harte, took on the challenge of cycling 55 miles from London to Brighton to raise money for Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA). The charity has been selected as North Hertfordshire College’s Charity of the Year for the 2025/26 academic year.
Paul told us: “On my bucket list this year, I had thought about doing one activity a month to celebrate a birthday milestone. For September, I signed up to do the London to Brighton cycle event. I also thought that if I signed up to raise some pennies for a specific charity, it would be an added bonus.”
The event started in Clapham Common with the looming threat of rain in the air. Thankfully, the rain held off throughout Paul’s journey south towards Brighton’s Madeira Terrace, meaning he only had the hills and other cyclists to contend with as he clocked up the miles. Paul finished the event in 5 hours and 11 minutes, before taking a break to rest and refuel then heading on the coach back home. As if he hadn’t seen enough of his bike, Paul then cycled home again from London!
Paul has raised nearly £3,500 through his epic challenge, a phenomenal amount of money for one person to raise. This money will also contribute towards the overall NHC Charity of the Year fundraising total.
In an email to colleagues, Paul said: “I want to thank everyone for the many contributions received on behalf of the Motor Neurone Disease Association. I am just staggered by the support from family, friends, former work colleagues, neighbours, and last but not least friends and colleagues at NHC and Hart L+D.”
Heather Almond, Head of Marketing and Communications at North Hertfordshire College, commented: “What an achievement and an amazing amount raised for our Charity of the Year – thank you, Paul! What a truly fantastic start to this year’s fundraising.”
Congratulations again to Paul on this achievement!
If you would like to contribute to Paul’s fundraiser, or the overall NHC Charity of the Year fundraiser, please visit our JustGiving page.