Industry veteran Graeme Watt has revealed the poignant motivation behind his upcoming long-distance charity ride.
The former Softcat CEO is seeking to raise £250,000 from the 12-day slog-fest, which will see him and a team of friends pedal from Lands End to John O’Groats.
The choice of the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA) as lead charity partner was inspired by the loss of former colleague and mentor Paul Cook, Watt told IT Channel Oxygen as he launched the event.
Cook died of the disease in 2022.
HP and Dell have already committed to sponsoring a stage of the 1,550 km-event, which will take place between 24 June and 5 July. TD Synnex are also a Platinum sponsor.
“We’ve got at least one more challenge left in us, and this seemed like a significant challenge to take on,” Watt told IT Channel Oxygen.
“We’re all over 50, and had time on our hands and a scratch to itch in terms of taking on a challenge, but also, ultimately, delivering something good.
“Why the MNDA? For me it was clear. It’s very much a nod to Paul to raise money to help eradicate this terrible disease. I’ve been on a constant mission to raise funds for both the MDNA – and my personal charity, Social Bite.”
All logistics costs are covered by the riders, which means that 100% of donations go to the charities, Watt stressed.
The team of 6-8 core riders also includes Ben Gower, the Founder and CEO of Microsoft partner Perspicuity.
Although Watt is currently the Chairman of Softcat, the ride is something he is organising in a personal capacity.
“We’ll be supported by some corporate sponsors, we hope for each stage. If anyone would like to talk to me further about taking on a stage, and committing a rider to join the core team, we’d love to hear from them,” Watt said.
