You spin me right round: Lewis Silkin trainees cycle for charity

Trainees at Lewis Silkin recently organised a sponsored 30-hour, non-stop "spinathon", which took place in the firm’s reception on 22 and 23 November. The event was held to celebrate 30 years of Helen & Douglas House, a children's hospice and the firm’s chosen charity, and to raise much needed funds.

The trainees managed to get everyone involved in spinning on the exercise bikes, from partners to IT to secretaries. After 30 hours of non-stop spinning, they raised a total of £7,610.63 for the charity. The grand finale was a 'spin-off' between teams of partners and trainees, with the trainees claiming victory, despite the lack of sleep from spinning through the night!

Louise Sargeant, a second-year trainee, explains why the trainees chose a spinathon to raise money: "Last year we did the Three Peaks Challenge. While this was a fantastic event, we wanted something closer to home this year so that more people could take part, even if it was only for a short period of time. There was no pressure on anyone to cycle a certain distance or at a certain speed, which was just as well! It was simply about bringing the firm together to celebrate Helen & Douglas House and raise money. We had a lot of positive comments from clients arriving for meetings - as well as some strange looks!"

Louise also explained why it’s important for trainees to get involved with their firm's CSR programme: "At Lewis Silkin, social responsibility and community involvement is very much a part of the culture. By taking part in events such as the spinathon and playing an active role in the firm's CSR programme, the trainees learn about the ethos and values of the business. We are fortunate to be in the position we are and this gives us the opportunity to give something back. On a practical level, being involved with CSR helps trainees get to know other members of the firm and gives them a chance to contribute at meetings and develop new skills. It's also good fun; I would never have thought as a trainee that I would be able to visit the roof to inspect our bee hives!"

Online applications for Lewis Silkin's summer work placement scheme will open the week commencing 10 December. For more information on life as a trainee at Lewis Silkin, visit www.lewissilkin.com/trainees.