Eight Ladder for London apprentices took on a two-day endurance cycling challenge at the weekend to raise money for the Evening Standard’s campaign to fight youth unemployment in the capital.
They were among a 2,250-strong field of cycling experts and amateurs who rode in the MITIE London Revolution.
Outsourcing company Mitie sponsored the apprentices to tackle the 180-mile gruelling course, a loop around London.
MITIE provided hybrid bikes and training to the apprentices and used the race to raise £50,000 for City Gateway, our lead apprentice provider.
The company also pledged to employ 12 Ladder for London apprentices later this year.
One of the City Gateway eight, Mitchel Jepheart, 17, smiled through his agony after completing the challenge.
“My knees are shot, I can hardly walk, my wrist and neck are aching,” he said.
“Without a doubt it was the toughest thing I’ve ever done, but I also feel glad and happy.”
Apprentice Richard Cruden, 18, from Surbiton, was jubilant after finishing day one’s 100 miles in 10 hours, and the more difficult, hilly second day in seven hours and 25 minutes.
“I went through a lot of pain in my legs and chest and getting to the end feels massive,” he said.
“I told myself, ‘No matter what happens, just keep going’.
“How many people have done a 180-mile bike ride? This is major.”
Of the eight apprentices, five finished the full route.
The only woman among the eight, Damilola Adewuyi, 19, who has already started her apprenticeship with Mastercard, completed 120 miles of the 180.
“I am not a sporty person, so to get that far feels like a success,” she said.
“I fell off my bike a couple of times, got a bit bruised, but I picked myself up and carried on.
“It felt great making it to the top of Box Hill and I feel proud that I managed to keep going for so long.
“It was an unforgettable weekend.”
