A little feelgood story for you, that’s a heck of a tour; chapeau!
Riders from across the insurance industry have combined their passion for cycling with meaningful industry connections to raise an incredible £350,000 for children’s charity Action Medical Research.
The annual Raptör ride, a multi-day cycling and networking event, took place from 8 to 12 July.
The 2026 edition, themed ‘Peaks and Passes – Rhine Tour’ gave participants an unforgettable journey through some of Europe’s most breathtaking landscapes. They crossed the Black Forest in Germany, renowned for its mountains, lakes and wildlife, before tackling the dramatic climbs of the Vosges National Park in France, a region steeped in Tour de France history. The route also wound through the picturesque Alsace wine region and ended in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Strasbourg.
Raptör continues to uphold its reputation as a standout event in the UK insurance calendar, offering both a physical challenge and a platform for collaboration, camaraderie and fundraising for a meaningful cause. To date, the event and its generous supporters have helped to raise almost £2 million towards life-saving and changing research.
This year’s event was possible thanks to support from lead partner Ki, main partner Brit Insurance, and supporting partners Lockton, Scor, Verisk, Everest Re, Sompo, Argenta, JS Held and Canopius.
Mark Allan, CEO of Lead Partner, Ki, said: “This ride brings the insurance community together to take on a demanding challenge and raise funds for children who need medical support. Through Raptör, we are proud to support the work of Action Medical Research, and seeing the difference it makes motivates all of us at Ki to help grow the event and its impact each year.”
Action Medical Research are on a mission to save and change children’s lives through medical research, developing treatments, vaccinations and cures. In the UK almost 4,000 children and young people under 25 are diagnosed with cancer every year. The charity is funding research to try and improve the chances and treatment for children with brain tumours and cancer.
Tom Burnett from Main Partner Brit Insurance did the ride in memory of his brother who died from leukaemia.
“Completing this year’s tour was an incredible challenge, particularly in the intense heat, but it was also hugely rewarding. I rode in memory of my brother, who lost his battle with leukaemia at the age of six, and his courage inspired me to keep pedalling through every climb.”
Tom added: “It was a privilege to ride alongside so many fantastic people from across the industry in support of such an important cause. Knowing that the funds raised will support vital, life-changing research for children facing serious illnesses made every kilometre worthwhile – especially when compared to the challenges these children and their families bravely endure every day.”
Lucy Holloway, Corporate Partnerships & Events Management Executive, Action Medical Research, said: “We had such a good time on this ride – it was hot and challenging in parts, but we loved every minute. We’re hugely grateful for support from our partners including Ki Insurance, Brit Insurance, and Lockton, Scor, Verisk, Everest Re, Sompo, Argenta, JS Held and Canopius.”
To find out more about Raptör visit https://action.org.uk/events/corporate-events/raptor.
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