LEAD IT Does Cosy Bike and Hike 2026!

Members of the L.E.A.D. IT Services team joined the Cosy Foundation and more than 200 participants at Derby Arena this May for the annual Cosy Bike & Hike fundraiser, raising vital funds for Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre and Derby Kids’ Camp.

These two Derbyshire children’s charities, provide life-changing experiences to many children facing difficult realities in their everyday lives and in need of a well-deserved break. Every summer, teams of volunteers organise activities, positive social interaction and a safe environment for children to grow their confidence and create positive childhood memories while they still can.

Through the generosity of family, friends, colleagues and supporters, the L.E.A.D. IT team raised £1,000, contributing to the Bike and Hike’s overall fundraising total of more than £50,000 for the two Derbyshire children’s charities.

The annual event, formerly known as the Skegvegas100, began as a 107-mile charity bike ride from Derby Arena to Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre in Skegness. Over the years, it has grown into Derbyshire’s largest multi-discipline fundraising event, now featuring the 107-mile bike ride alongside a 20-mile hike to Ashbourne and a 13-mile hike to Longford.

Event Day

In the early hours of Saturday 17 May, 24 members of the L.E.A.D. IT Services team arrived at Derby Arena, Pride Park, ready to take on the challenge. Dressed in their orange ombré bike and hike t-shirts, hiking boots and cycling gear, the team joined hundreds of other participants for registration, event briefings and a pre-event warm-up before setting off on their chosen routes.

Starting from Derby Arena, L.E.A.D. IT Services was represented across each challenge, with 21 team members participating in the 13-mile and 20-mile hikes, while three team members took on the demanding 107-mile cycle ride to Skegness.

The Bike Ride

Representing L.E.A.D. IT Services on the bike ride were: Chris Edwards, Partnership Development Manager, Connor Rose, Regional IT Lead, and Henry Riggott, IT Apprentice.

The cyclists set off beneath the iconic Cosy green inflatable archway at 7:30am, embarking on a challenging route across Derbyshire and Lincolnshire.

Supported by dedicated volunteers stationed along the route, riders enjoyed regular rest stops, refreshments and plenty of encouragement throughout the day as they pushed towards the coast.

I was encouraged to take part in the bike ride because I understood the positive impact it could have on children. I also felt that if I could raise awareness among others, that alone would make it worthwhile.

When finishing I felt a relief that it was done but was proud of myself for completing the challenge.

– Connor Rose, Regional IT Lead | L.E.A.D. IT Services

The Hike

Shortly after the cyclists departed, the hikers began their journey through Derby city centre.

Accompanied by a returning volunteer guide, participants were treated to fascinating insights into Derby’s history and local landmarks as they made their way along the route.

Throughout the day, hikers were welcomed at a series of refreshment stops where volunteers provided drinks, snacks and words of encouragement before they continued towards their destinations in Longford and Ashbourne.

[Quote from hikers]

Fundraising Success

For the second consecutive year, the L.E.A.D. IT Services team raised funds in support of their participation through a dedicated JustGiving campaign.

Supporters left messages of encouragement and donated generously throughout the fundraising period, helping the team reach an impressive £1,000 total.

Every pound raised will help Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre and Derby Kids’ Camp continue providing life-changing experiences, holidays and opportunities for children across Derbyshire.