Bristol Airport has set a new benchmark for corporate fundraising after 38 staff and business partners completed a 180-mile cycle from Tenby to the airport, raising £110,000 for Children’s Hospice South West. The two-day challenge, held on 10 and 11 September, is the largest charity initiative the airport has ever organised.
The route took riders through scenic countryside, coastal paths, roads and gravel tracks, testing endurance across varied terrain. A key moment came at Charlton Farm in Wraxall, where the team paused to meet hospice staff before pushing on to the finish line at the airport’s terminal.
In a show of solidarity, colleagues at the terminal cycled the equivalent distance on exercise bikes, with passengers and visitors joining in to boost the fundraising total. The money will support the hospice’s work caring for children with life-limiting conditions across the South West.
Executive participation and corporate backing
The cycling squad included members of the airport’s executive team, underscoring the leadership’s commitment to community engagement. Andrew Goodenough, Infrastructure Director at Bristol Airport, praised the participants: “The dedication shown by our colleagues and business partners throughout this challenge has been truly inspiring.”
Paul Courtney, Director of Fundraising at Children’s Hospice South West, expressed gratitude: “We are so grateful to every member of the Airport’s cycle challenge team and all those that helped them achieve such an incredible total!”
The event was supported by numerous companies and organisations, contributing to the record-breaking fundraising total. While the airport did not disclose a full sponsor list, the scale of support reflects the strong partnerships Bristol Airport maintains with its business community.
This initiative comes as UK airports continue to see strong passenger volumes, with record numbers passing through terminals in recent quarters. Such community-focused efforts help airports strengthen their local ties beyond operational performance.
Bristol Airport’s charity ride also highlights the growing trend of airports engaging in wellness and team-building activities. Similar initiatives, such as Queenstown Airport’s cycling partnership, show how the industry is leveraging active transport for social good.
For travel professionals, the event serves as a case study in employee engagement and corporate social responsibility. Airports and airlines alike are increasingly using such challenges to foster team spirit and community relations, as seen in other sectors where strategic planning is key to achieving long-term goals.
The £110,000 raised will enable Children’s Hospice South West to continue providing respite, palliative and end-of-life care to children and their families. The hospice operates three sites across the region, including Charlton Farm, which was a poignant stop on the route.
Bristol Airport’s achievement demonstrates how a well-organised charity event can unite an entire organisation, from executives to frontline staff, while making a tangible difference to a vital local cause.
