Into a hedge and over the finish line

On Sunday, June 15th, Karl Hick, CEO of Phoenix Sustainable Investments, took part in the legendary London to Brighton cycle ride, raising money for the British Heart Foundation and embodying Phoenix’s deep-rooted commitment to creating positive impact beyond business.

But this wasn’t your average charity ride, after a chaotic check-in and a missed early start, Karl found himself squeezed into the 8:15am wave – well behind his planned position. The roads were crammed with cyclists three and four abreast, making the first 15 miles feel more like a frustrating stop-start commute than a race.

Determined to make up lost time, he began picking up the pace, reaching speeds of 28 to 30mph on the clearer stretches.

That’s when it happened, a moment’s hesitation, a clipped handlebar, and a crash! With no safe way to stop, Karl made a split-second decision: he fell headfirst into a hedge. Bloodied and bruised but undeterred, he emerged from the bushes with twigs in his helmet and cuts down his arms. The bike was intact. So was his determination.

After a brief stop at the medical tent, where four other riders were also being treated for crashes – Karl was cleared to continue.

Despite the fall, a delayed start, and a much-needed burger stop, Karl crossed the Brighton seafront finish line in 4 hours 15 minutes.

“I think it could have been closer to three hours under better circumstances,” said Karl. “But this wasn’t about chasing a PB – it was about giving back.”

This ride wasn’t just a personal challenge, it was a statement of values. At Phoenix, we believe in doing good while doing business, and Karl’s ride was a perfect expression of our Altruistic division’s mission: to combine compassion, purpose, and action.

The British Heart Foundation is a cause close to Karl’s heart, and many of ours. Their pioneering research, support services, and life-saving campaigns change lives every day.

There’s still time to support, If Karl’s story has inspired you, it’s not too late to show your support.

Click here to donate.

Every donation helps fund research and care for people affected by heart and circulatory disease.

Yes, there were crashes. Yes, there was blood, but above all, there was drive – the same drive that runs through Phoenix as a company.