Cycling enthusiasts from London Luton Airport (LLA) have used pedal power to raise almost £50,000 for Luton Foodbank and East Anglian Air Ambulance following a four-day charity bike ride in Sicily. 

The fundraising challenge saw a team of 25 intrepid riders taking on a gruelling 388km route (2,867 metre climb) that began in Catania on Sicily’s east coast and ended in the bustling city of Palermo in the northwest of the island. 

LLA Operations Director, Neil Thompson, who took part in the ride, commented: “The London Luton Airport cycle ride has become a landmark event in our fundraising calendar and we were delighted to take on this challenge in Sicily on behalf of our two amazing charity partners. With up to 40-degree temperatures and often mountainous terrain to contend with, the route proved to be quite physically challenging but there was an incredible feeling of positivity across the team and even the steeper climbs were rewarded with amazing views of this beautiful part of the world.

“We are all immensely proud to support Luton Foodbank and East Anglian Air Ambulance, two hugely important charities that do incredible work for our local community. A huge thank you to all our sponsors, particularly Ryebridge Construction who managed all logistics and planning for the trip.”

LLA’s Sicily cycle challenge is the latest in a series of fundraising events organised by the airport to support its two charity partners.

Salma Khan, Project Manager of Luton Foodbank, commented: “Our congratulations and huge thanks goes to our partner London Luton Airport and all the riders who took on this daunting challenge to raise awareness and much needed funds for our charity. This is such a difficult time for so many people in our local community and LLA’s fundraising efforts are having an incredible impact on the support we provide.” 

Sarah Cunningham, Community Fundraiser for East Anglian Air Ambulance, said: “Our service relies heavily on public support and LLA’s fundraising efforts are making a huge difference. As a result of the cost-of-living crisis and increased energy prices, we are facing a very challenging year ahead. Compared to this time last year, we are paying nearly double the amount in aviation fuel and this is just one example of why we are extremely appreciative of how hard LLA is working to help raise awareness and generate valuable funds to keep our crews saving lives.”

The event was supported by principal sponsor, Ryebridge Construction, as well Azing, Bickerdike Allen Partners, DTS Solutions, DWM Technical Solutions, easyJet, FPM Facility Services, Granville Noise Insulators, Khipu Networks, Lion & Gazelle, Lucid Support Services, Maplebrook Wills, Sasse Group, Switchshop, Synapse 230 and W Portsmouth & Co.

About London Luton Airport:
London Luton Airport (LLA) is one of the UK’s busiest airports, carrying 58 million passengers in the past five years.
The airport is operated by a consortium of which the majority shareholder is AENA, the world’s largest airport operator, and AMP Capital, a specialist global investment manager. Airlines include easyJet, Wizz Air, Ryanair, Tui, Blue Air, FlyOne, Sun Express and El Al.

Passengers travelling by rail can reach the airport via a half-hourly express rail service which operates between London and Luton Airport Parkway. In addition, work is nearly complete on a new light rail system linking the airport with Luton Airport Parkway station. The project is being delivered by the airport’s owner Luton Rising – a company owned by Luton Council to enhance local and regional economic growth and social investment.

London Luton Airport is an accredited Real Living Wage employer. The introduction of the Real Living Wage, the only UK rate calculated according to living costs, reflects LLA’s commitment to be a responsible and ethical employer. 

Contact Details:

Contact Details:
London Luton Airport Press Office 01582 395333
pressoffice@ltn.aero

URL: https://mediahub.london-luton.co.uk/news/30092022/sicily-cycle-challenge-for-london-luton-airport