SIGNATURE at Caversham welcomed cyclists, residents and the wider community as it hosted the final leg of Championing Social Care’s Great British Cycle Relay, a nationwide initiative celebrating the role of social care and the dedicated people working across the sector.
Before setting off from Signature at Caversham on an 80km journey to London, riders were greeted with a breakfast of bacon rolls, tea and coffee.
Following a warm welcome from community leaders and care sectors advocates, cyclists gathered outside Signature at Caversham, where the newly appointed Mayor of Reading, Councillor Paul Gittings, addressed participants and wished them luck for the journey ahead.
The Mayor then officially opened the event alongside Melissa Magee, Managing Director of Carless & Adams Ltd, with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting before riders departed at 9am.
The lengthy cycle ride saw cyclists travel through Berkshire and into London, stopping at care homes along the route to meet with residents and care teams to recognise the vital social care work that takes place across the country.
This was the 4th year of the Great British Cycle Relay, which took place between the 11th to the 15th of June. Beginning in Edinburgh, the cycle ride travelled through Manchester, the East Midlands, Wales and finishing up in London across the 5 days.
The annual initiative was organised by Championing Social Care, a UK-wide, volunteer led movement that works to raise the profile and celebrate those that work within the adult social care sector, bringing together care providers, sector leaders, organisations and advocates.
Among the cyclists taking part in the ride was Signature Senior Lifestyle’s Chief Executive, Rob Martin, who joined fellow cyclists to help raise awareness of the care sector.
Rob Martin, Chief Executive Officer at Signature Senior Lifestyle, said: “As an Ambassador for Championing Social Care, I take every opportunity to showcase how brilliant the care sector is.
“The Great British Care Cycle Relay is a fantastic way to recognise the extraordinary people who work in social care and highlight the vital role it plays in all our communities.
“I very much enjoyed visiting other homes along the route and thanking everyone for the difference they make.”
Councillor Paul Gittings, Mayor of Reading, said: “I was delighted to attend the Great British Cycle Relay on the 15th of June.
“Social care is something very close to my heart, and it’s clear that when people come to Signature Senior Lifestyle, they can expect an exceptional level of care.
“Those working in social care do extraordinary work every day, and it’s vital that we recognise their contribution and continue raising awareness of the sector.”
