Rapha hits £1 million fundraising milestone for Ambitious about Autism

Sir Bradley Wiggins was among 200 riders who took part in Rapha’s latest Manchester to London ride last month in support of Ambitious about Autism.

The challenge was set up in 2014 by Rapha’s founder Simon Mottram, and since then around 600 riders have clocked up over 1,200 miles on the ride - raising hundreds of thousands of pounds for the charity’s work in the process.

Simon’s son Oscar attended Ambitious about Autism’s TreeHouse School in Muswell Hill, and is now a student at the charity’s recently opened Ambitious College.

The £1 million fundraising milestone was celebrated at a special event at Rapha’s Soho store last night, attended by many past riders. During the evening Rapha staff were presented with a plaque to mark their achievement.

Jolanta Lasota, Chief Executive of Ambitious about Autism, said: “Hitting the £1 million milestone is an incredible achievement and we’re so grateful to Simon and everyone at Rapha for their continuing generosity and steadfast support of our work. It’s also been fantastic to celebrate with riders who have taken on the challenge over the past 5 years - their dedication and determination has made a huge difference to the lives of children and young people with autism. We can’t wait to cheer on our 2018 riders!”

Rapha founder, Simon Mottram, said: “As the father of a young man with autism, I know first hand how challenging living with the condition can be. It always felt very appropriate to raise funds for autism by doing extremely challenging bike rides and I am incredibly proud that we have managed to raise £1 million for Ambitious about Autism so far. I know how helpful this money will be."

Sir Bradley Wiggins, said: "Riding between two cities that have played huge roles in my cycling career made for a really memorable day. It's bloody long, but the support from Rapha along the route was brilliant and it’s amazing to see so much money raised for a great cause.”

ENDS.

For more information on Ambitious about Autism contact our media manager at 020 8815 5134 or press.office@ambitiousaboutautism.org.uk.

Notes to editors

• Ambitious about Autism is the national charity for children and young people with autism. We provide services, raise awareness and understanding, and campaign for change. Through TreeHouse School, and Ambitious College and the Rise School, we offer specialist education and support.
• Rapha is now more than just a clothing company - in addition to an online emporium of performance roadwear, accessories and publications, the brand includes physical retail locations, luxury travel, and a cycling club with global membership. Growing from three employees in 2004 to more than 350 in 2016, Rapha's design aesthetic and multichannel retail model have taken the company from startup to global enterprise. While the majority of Rapha's business is online, an ever-expanding network of Clubhouses around the world means that customers can experience the brand in person and immerse themselves in the culture of road cycling. The Rapha Cycling Club (RCC) was established in 2015 as a global cycling club and natural extension of the brand and currently has over 7000 members.