Six senior team members from Dalata Hotel Group, who operate several Scottish hotels under its Clayton and Maldron brands, including properties in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen, have completed a 500km cycle from London to Amsterdam, raising funds and awareness for Leukaemia Care, the UK’s leading blood cancer support charity.
The four-day challenge saw participants set off from central London on 17 September, riding through the English countryside, crossing the Channel and arriving in the Dutch capital near the group’s own Clayton Hotel Amsterdam American.
The event forms part of Dalata’s three-year charity partnership with Leukaemia Care, announced earlier this summer. It sits within the group’s wider Difference Makers initiative, which aims to raise more than €1 million by 2028 for health and wellbeing causes across the UK and Ireland.
Dermot Crowley, CEO of Dalata Hotel Group, said, “At the heart of our charity partnerships are Dalata’s Difference Makers – passionate colleagues who go above and beyond to support important causes. This cycle is another brilliant example of our people making a difference in the communities. We are hugely proud of our team and were with them in spirit, through every kilometre on their journey.”
Colin Dyer, chief executive of Leukaemia Care, added, “We are delighted that Dalata colleagues stepped up to the challenge of cycling from London to Amsterdam. Every kilometre they covered helped raise vital funds and awareness to ensure that nobody has to face a blood cancer diagnosis alone. Their efforts will make a real difference to patients and families across the UK.”
The cycle team included Catriona Delaney, group general manager for UK North & Europe. She said, “I see first-hand the incredible dedication of our hotel teams as they raise funds for Leukaemia Care. As a senior leader, I wanted to match their commitment by tackling the challenge of cycling to Amsterdam.”
Niall Macklin, head of acquisitions, has been a longstanding participant in Dalata’s charity cycle initiatives. He said, “I have led the Great Dalata Cycle in Ireland in previous years, motivated by personal loss. It has always been an incredible experience that raised significant funds. I thoroughly enjoyed this new challenge.”
Also joining the team was deputy CEO Shane Casserly, who said, “I have joined Niall, Catriona and colleagues on the Great Dalata Cycle in previous years and it is always a brilliant and memorable experience. I am very proud of the impact our partnerships – including with Leukaemia Care – have made, and I was delighted to be part of this challenge.”
Dalata’s fundraising and charity engagement continues across its portfolio, with more Difference Makers events planned for later this year.
