Luxury facilities management meets social impact in an unforgettable charity challenge. Discover how Distinct’s support went beyond the expected.
It began in the early hours at Dior’s head office in London. As the sun rose, 23 riders clipped in, the quiet buzz of anticipation building beneath the calm. Ahead lay nearly 300 kilometres of road, taking them from the heart of one fashion capital to another, and all for one purpose: raising vital funds for Unique, a charity supporting families living with rare chromosome syndromes.
Among the riders were two familiar faces from Distinct. Our CEO Darren and Head of Operations Luis did not just represent our brand. They represented a belief that sustainability is as much about people as it is about planet.
A Ride Powered by Purpose
At Distinct, we often speak about sustainable cleaning, ethical employment, and responsible partnerships. But this time, our support looked different. Fewer uniformed teams and more padded cycling gear. No Lotus Pro or high-GSM cloths in sight, just puncture kits, protein bars, and pedal power.
While Darren and Luis rode through English countryside and French farmland, our COO Craig and Head of Marketing Josh followed closely in one of the three official support vehicles. They ensured every rider had what they needed, whether that was a mechanical fix, a morale boost, or a slice of fresh homemade pizza served during a quiet forest stop.
The remaining support vans were generously arranged by fellow sponsor Unitech. The journey itself was flawlessly coordinated by Geoffrey and Jennie, whose care and dedication ensured every detail was covered.
What This Taught Us About Sustainability
Sustainability in luxury facilities management is often viewed through an operational lens. We focus on chemical-free solutions, electric fleets, efficient procurement. All of these are essential. But there is another side to sustainability that is equally vital and often overlooked: the human side.
This event reminded us that sustainability is also about how we treat each other. It is about showing up for our clients, backing their values, and investing in communities as well as contracts.
When we say we are a trusted partner to luxury brands, this is what we mean. We go beyond the task list. We support the initiatives that matter. And we make sure our impact resonates far beyond the workplace.
Expert Takeaway
“The road from London to Paris reminded us that true sustainability is not just something we deliver. It is something we live. And it becomes most powerful when it brings people together.”
— Josh, Head of Marketing, Distinct
A Legacy Beyond the Finish Line
By the time the Eiffel Tower came into view, nearly £30,000 had been raised. Legs were tired but spirits were high. Bonds had been formed that will outlast the saddle sores, and a cause that means everything to one of Dior’s team members had been brought into the spotlight.
For all of us at Distinct, this journey reinforced our belief in what meaningful sustainability looks like. It is the combination of environmental care, community action, and lasting partnership.
We were proud to be part of it.
The fundraising continues. If you would like to support the incredible work Unique is doing, please consider donating:
https://www.justgiving.com/team/wearedior2025charitycycle
