Cycling challenge to JEC 2022 raises awareness for mental health

Co-hosts of the Material Evolution podcast, Gemma Smith, managing director of Fluency Marketing (Chesterfield, U.K.) and Geraint Havard, R-Tech Materials (Wales, U.K.) director of Composites Testing, will be taking on the challenge of cycling from London to Paris for JEC World occurring this May 3-5, 2022, while raising vital funds for the mental health charity, Mind. Both Smith and Havard encourage industry to support this effort.

Mind provides advice and support to people with mental health problems and lobbies government and local authorities on their behalf. Smith and Havard campaign to improve mental health services, raise awareness and promote understanding. Passionate for the charity, and having supported them in past years, they hope to raise £10,000 for the 550-kilometer ride, which they are hoping to complete over three days.

When asked about the challenge, Smith says, “Mind is a charity that is close to my heart, and I have previously taken part in the London Marathon twice to raise them funds. I have also held many live events to raise funds for the charity, but this is my greatest fundraising goal yet, and I’m excited to take on this challenge. I am by no means a long-distance cyclist, and this journey will fare as one of the hardest trials of my life, but for a great cause like Mind, I am grateful to be given this chance.”

“As the challenge nears closer, I am filled with apprehension but also immense pride, for although this journey will most likely exhaust me, it is all the more worth it for the cause of mental wellbeing,” Havard adds. “After the last two years of a pandemic, now more than ever people need our help and the support of a fantastic charity like Mind.”

The Material Evolution duo will appreciate any support the industry can give, from sharing their efforts on social media, cheering them on along their route, businesses showing support through corporate sponsorship on the cycling apparel or donating.