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Urenco manager’s 54-mile cycle for heart research

22 June 2023 Global

Gillian Johnston completed the feat with a group of friends, which included a mile long climb at Ditchling Beacon to the top of the South Downs. 

A Urenco employee has raised hundreds after cycling 54 miles from London to Brighton for a heart research charity. 

Gillian Johnston completed the feat on June 18 with a group of friends, which included a mile long climb at Ditchling Beacon to the top of the South Downs. 

The accounting manager’s preparations for the event had included hiking to the top of Ben Nevis just two weeks before.  

Gill raised way beyond her target cash sum for the British Heart Foundation, and this was match funded by Urenco through a social impact donation. 

Gill said: “Despite being fearful of the forecast for thunderstorms, we had great weather for most of the ride. 

“My goal was to make it to the top of Ditchling Beacon without stopping, not easy after 45 miles of cycling. I was absolutely delighted to achieve it.

“It was such a brilliant event, boosted by the locals in their gardens clapping and cheering, the brass band at one of the stopping points and the general atmosphere created through the friendliness of the cyclists and marshals.”

Gill’s money will go towards valuable research on heart and circulatory diseases to save lives in the UK.

Several of her friends had babies born with heart conditions and her father and other friends have also suffered heart difficulties at different points in their lives.  

She added: “I’m very thankful to everyone who sponsored me.” 

The London to Brighton Bike Ride takes place every year, starting from Clapham Common and finishing on the Brighton seafront. 

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About Urenco

Urenco is an international supplier of uranium enrichment services, fuel cycle products and related solutions with sustainability at the core of our business. Operating in a pivotal area of the nuclear fuel supply chain for over 50 years, Urenco understands the importance of energy security and facilitates the reliable delivery of low carbon electricity generation for consumers around the world.

With its head office in London, UK, Urenco’s global presence ensures diversity and security of supply for customers through enrichment facilities in Germany, the Netherlands, the UK and the USA. Through our technology and the expertise of our people, the Urenco Group provides safe, cost effective and reliable services, operating within a framework of high environmental, social and governance standards, complementing international safeguards.

Urenco is making a positive contribution to global climate change goals through our core business and we are committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2040.

We are committed to continued investment in the responsible management of nuclear materials; innovation activities with clear sustainability benefits, such as nuclear medicine, industrial efficiency and research; and nurturing the next generation of scientists and engineers.