Richard (Rich) Fisher, a hardworking member of AI Global Media’s Production team, was inspired by the long-distance challenges of athletes such as Russ Cook to embark on a 1,200km bike ride across England for Linjoy Wildlife Sanctuary and Rescue – Midlands, a charity very close to his heart. AI Global Media provides its employees with the opportunity to spend a day away from the office, to volunteer for a charity of their own choice as the business firmly believes in giving back to the community and the importance doing something for those in need.
When speaking to Rich about his experience and also his drive for committing to this challenge he mentioned that he enjoys doing things for charity whether it is an MMA fight, travelling through Europe or in this case, cycling across England. He continues, “I got swept up in the hype that I’m seeing online from people doing long distance exercise challenges, like Russ Cook. (the Hardest Geezer), the fella that ran the length of Africa. While I knew I couldn’t quite make it that far, I knew I could put my body through a cycle across England, after all its only 1,200km.”
He speaks passionately about the charity he did it for, Linjoy Wildlife Sanctuary and Rescue – Midlands, which he has worked with countless times in the past from taking helpless animals there for aid. His most memorable experience being bringing a pigeon all the way from Leeds to aid his broken wing. His passion for the cause is reflected deeply in his actions as well as his words when he tells us that although it may sound pretentious “but that’s why I’m vegan, I would just like to help animals in any way I can, one meal at a time.”
After completing the bike ride, Rich says he was filled with pride but was equally in disbelief to know that he managed to achieve something so big. “Even now, I can’t believe I did it. It’s amazing to know that I can push my body and mind to complete extreme tasks as it was definitely more mentally challenging than physically. At the risk of sounding like a melt, I’ve always felt like a bit of a loser. I can’t express that enough. For example, I lost my charity MMA fight, and I remember saying to my girlfriend Linsey that “maybe people like me aren’t meant to win stuff like this”, that maybe I’m always meant to be second place because I don’t deserve it. So, to complete this really helped make me feel whole and erase that feeling a bit. Although I’m not sure it will ever go, I do use it as a driving force, so maybe it needs to stick around.”
The business and Rich’s colleagues are immensely proud of his remarkable achievement. His dedication and perseverance in completing this 1,200km charity bike ride is very inspiring and it also exemplifies the values that AI holds dear. Rich’s incredible effort has raised an impressive £2048 for Linjoy Wildlife Sanctuary and Rescue – Midlands. This generous contribution will significantly help the charity’s ongoing missions to rescue and care for the animals in need.
AI Global Media’s commitment to voluntary charity days reflects the values of the business and by enabling employees like Rich to support causes close their hearts, we are fostering a culture of philanthropy and giving back. By aligning our corporate values with meaningful actions, we are reinforcing our dedication to making a positive impact both locally and globally.
