Penny Black’s Social Diary: Lycetts’ cycling; Aviva’s arancini
Penny Black is back, sharing the tittle-tattle she overheard at insurance industry events, reviewing the quality of buffets at conferences and giving a thumbs up – or down – to the sector’s social media posts.
Cycling perseverance
In today’s edition of the truly admirable things insurance professionals do for charity we have Ian Barclay, CEO of insurance broker Lycetts, completing Spain’s Quebrantahuesos, a one day cycling event with a 2000km route through the Aragonese and French Pyrenees with more than 3,500 metres of climbing.
Along the way, Barclay faced searing 37°C heat, two punctures, and a 4km walk to get the second one repaired, but remained determined to finish. I truly have no excuse next time I’m considering giving up halfway through a gym session.
Not only did he finish the course in an unbelievable eight hours and 41 minutes despite all that difficulty, he also raised £12,641 for the Motor Neurone Disease Association. Lycetts’ parent company, the Benefact Group, boosted his effort by pledging to match donations up to £5,000.
Speaking after the challenge, Barclay said: “This was, without question, one of the toughest tests I’ve ever faced – both physically and mentally. But whenever it got difficult, I reminded myself why I was doing it.”
There’s your dose of motivation for the week!
Penny’s Lunch Box
The secret to truly taking advantage of the canape spread at Aviva’s Trade Media Drinks was situating myself right next to a table for most of the evening. This method avoided the dreadful balance of trying to hold a plate and a drink while eating and networking.
Picking off the balls of plant-based nduja arancini without nearly smashing glasses and side plates in the process made it a far more enjoyable process. Five stars for ease of access.
Out of context
“Cheerful walk-on music they said… and then we got Coldplay.”
Broadcaster Declan Curry, host of Defaqto’s conference, questions the choice of Viva La Vida.
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