THE IW Wave Project received a welcome fundraising boost from the local Central South and Isle of Wight British Gas team.

The company’s service manager, Paul Richards, and wellbeing ambassador, Jamie Backshall, arranged for a British Gas team to cycle clockwise around the Island, in support of the Isle of Wight Wave Project’s work to bring young people together through surf therapy.

Paul and Jamie have been fundamental in engaging with their British Gas colleagues to promote My Wellbeing, a programme designed to create a healthy working environment and encourage employees to take responsibility for their own health and wellbeing.

Together, they managed to persuade 16 colleagues, many of them non-cyclists, to take part in this cycling challenge around the Island.

The group covered 105.36 kilometres, with a cumulative elevation gain of 1,433 metres, raising an incredible £420 for the project.

Jamie passed on his appreciation to the team saying: “I want to congratulate everyone, especially the boys on fat-tyred mountain bikes. It was a truly excellent achievement for a worthwhile local charity.”

Paul added: “The event wouldn’t have been achievable without Kevin Elliot providing support, the highlight being picking up one of the riders that had got lost and ended up miles off route.”

Abbie James, Isle of Wight Wave Project coordinator, passed on the charity’s thanks for the team’s fantastic efforts.

IW Wave Project’s evidence-based surf therapy programme is proven to help young people feel less anxious, more positive and can change lives.

The project is currently looking for volunteers with a positive and fun attitude to get in the water and support the young people at the surf sessions, helping them catch waves and giving them confidence.

No surfing experience is necessary, and volunteers can expect lots of smiles and high fives. If you can spare a couple of hours, contact abbie@waveproject.co.uk