Beazley underwriter raises £165,000 for cancer research

Beazley underwriter George Southgate has raised more than £165,000 for The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) after leading a 600-mile charity cycle ride from Berlin to London in memory of his father.

Southgate, 28, completed the six-day challenge alongside 25 other cyclists – many of whom work in the insurance industry – finishing outside the Lloyd’s building before riding to the ICR’s laboratories in Chelsea on 10 July.

The fundraiser was organised in memory of his father, Mike Southgate, a marine insurance underwriter who died from bowel cancer in 2022 aged 59 after more than 40 years in the insurance market.

During his career, Mike held roles at Sturge Syndicate, GE, Swiss Re, Montpelier, Canopius and Hiscox.

Southgate said his father’s determination to support cancer research, including his wish to take part in a clinical trial before becoming too ill, inspired him to organise the event.

He said: “I think my dad would have been so proud of us all and amazed at what we pulled off.”

Industry support

The route covered around 100 miles a day through Germany and the Netherlands before crossing into the UK, with participants travelling from Berlin to London to raise funds for bowel cancer research.

Southgate said many riders had been personally affected by cancer and wanted to turn that experience into something positive.

“I feel unbelievably proud of the group, not only for the incredible accomplishment of completing the cycle, but also for the fundraising they have undertaken,” he said.

The event follows an earlier London to Paris charity ride completed by Southgate in 2022, which raised more than £18,000 for the ICR.

According to the charity, the funds raised will support research focused on making bowel cancer more preventable, predicable and treatable.

Sarah Castleman, sports and challenge events manager at the ICR, said: “We know the whole group was incredibly passionate and motivated to make the biggest impact in memory of Mike.

“Every pound raised helps drive our research forward and every mile brings us closer to a future where cancer can be defeated.”