Thatcham company Francis Construction kick off new year with Around the World Challenge for charity No5

A Thatcham-based construction company is walking, running and cycling its way around the world.

Two teams at Francis Construction are trying to travel a distance equivalent to the circumference of the Earth (40,075km).

Their efforts are hoped to raise money for mental health charity No5 – a cause the company has been supporting for some time – whilst improving the teams’ fitness and wellbeing.

The charity provides support and advice – mostly via professional counselling services – to children, young people and their families.

The two Francis Construction teams are planning some group events, including four mountain climbing trips and a monthly bikeathon.

Once a month two gym bikes will be powered all day by the teams using their leg power and determination.

The challenge kicked off at the beginning of the year and it’s hoped that by the end of 2024 they will have logged the 40,075km.

In the first three weeks of January the teams amassed more than 2,300km.

Team 1 achieved 1,660.64km and team 2 achieved 1,592km.

Managing director Will Barrett said: “We like to think we make an impact and protect our local community through the actions we take as a business.

“By supporting No5, we are certain that the young people today gain the right tools to create a healthy, sustainable tomorrow.

“Our collective team engagement means that we all put a small brick in building the foundation for a better world in the future.”

Francis Construction raised more than £8,000 for No5 in 2023 through a series of events and fundraising activities.

Donations can be made to its JustGiving page at https://bit.ly/3vemzJO

The construction business says demand for No5 has never been higher, with young people being disproportionately impacted by the pandemic.

More than 900 young people and their families have asked for help in the last 12 months alone.

In 2022, it offered more than 8,500 counselling sessions to local young people.

It will update its social media channels monthly with each team’s distances covered.