Lucy Electric’ s Ian Hazleton cycles from Manchester to London for Ambitious about Autism
Ian Hazleton, Internal Sales, Bids & Tenders Manager at Lucy Electric, recently completed the longest ride of his life, cycling 220 miles( 350km) from Manchester to London in support of Ambitious about Autism.
Setting off at 5am after months of training and preparation, Ian faced a challenge that tested both physical endurance and mental resilience. He completed the journey in 17 hours and 43 minutes, with more than 15 hours spent in the saddle, relying on careful pacing, nutrition, and determination to reach the finish.“ It was daunting, but I was ready,” Ian said. The ride was part of a fundraising effort for Ambitious about Autism, a charity Ian came to support through his involvement in cycling. Inspired by stories of the challenges faced by families raising autistic children, he wanted to use his passion for cycling to make a difference.
Riding as part of the event’ s Snowball team format, Ian was joined throughout the day by friends who rode sections of the route alongside him. Some rode more than 200km, while others joined for shorter stretches, creating a shared experience that became one of the highlights of the challenge.
“ It transformed the day,” Ian reflected.“ Every feed stop became something to look forward to.”
Lucy Electric’ s Ian Hazleton
Fatigue began to set in during the final section through Hertfordshire, but Ian drew on his training and experience to manage his energy and continue strongly towards London. The most memorable moment came near the finish, when his fellow riders asked him to lead the group for the final six kilometres into London, riding at the front through the city’ s busy streets towards Archway.
“ Riding into London at the front of a group of friends who had chosen to share part of the journey with me is a moment I’ ll always treasure.”
Together, the Snowball team raised £ 5,456 for Ambitious about Autism, with Ian surpassing his personal fundraising target of £ 1,000. Lucy Electric would like to thank colleagues and everyone who donated or offered words of encouragement along the way.
Reflecting on what motivated him to take on the challenge, Ian said:“ I am fortunate to have my health, the support of people around me, and the opportunity to use something I love doing to support a worthwhile cause.”
MEMBER NEWS
AWE welcomes new Defence Universities Alliance
A new alliance of 35 UK universities will boost defence industry skills, new technologies and research, as part of a £ 182 million investment.
Launched by Defence Minister Luke Pollard MP at the University of Manchester on 13 July, the Defence Universities Alliance( DUA) will create a network of defence research expertise and drive a highly-skilled workforce across the UK.
Several of the universities selected as founding members of the DUA – Cranfield, Manchester, Surrey, Bristol and Strathclyde – are also AWE strategic alliance partners.
A collaboration between the Ministry of Defence( MOD) the UK Armed Forces, the Office of the Chief Scientific Advisor for National Security and the higher education sector, the long-term initiative will create a pipeline of skilled people into some of the most exciting career pathways from cyber security, robotics, AI, aero-space engineering and advanced manufacturing. Luke Pollard MP, Minister for Defence
Readiness and Industry, said:
“ As we prepare for warfighting readiness, working with universities, students and innovators boosts skills and help keep our country safe. The Defence Universities Alliance will create meaningful connections between students, academia and defence, boosting research, skills and defence expertise across the UK to strengthen industry. Universities play a key role in innovating and supporting defence, and the DUA helps marshal those efforts.
“ In this new era of threat our £ 182 million defence skills package is helping to create opportunities for students, apprentices and young people, making sure our historic £ 298 billion defence investment is an engine for growth across the UK, and building on the more than 272,000 industry jobs supported by MOD spending.”
Professor Tim Dafforn, Chief Scientific Advisor, Ministry of Defence, said:
“ The Defence Universities Alliance represents a genuinely transformative step forward in how Defence partners with the UK’ s world-leading academic sector. By bringing together our shared expertise, ambition and innovation, the Alliance will help us tackle some of the most complex challenges facing Defence at a strategic level.
“ I am incredibly excited about the opportunities this creates. The DUA will fundamentally change the way Defence, universities and industry work together – strengthening our national security, creating strategic advantage and supporting growth to deliver better outcomes for the UK.”
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