To celebrate Cycle to Work Day on 6 August 2026, we’re inviting staff to take part in a fun challenge designed to support wellbeing, encourage movement and give everyone the chance to get involved. There are also some great prizes up for grabs, making it the perfect opportunity to get active, have fun and be in with a chance of winning.
🚴 Race the Cycle to Work Lead
Think you can beat the Head of Staff Experience who oversees the Cycle to Work scheme in the Trust?
The challenge is to complete the equivalent cycle journey from Sunderland (Princes Street) to Hopewood Park (Cycle to Work Lead is from Sunderland) – approximately 5 miles, which Google Maps estimates takes around 32 minutes by bike.
You can take part using:
- A bike in one of the CNTW gyms*
- A bike at your own gym
- An exercise bike at home
Simply complete the challenge and send us a photo showing your time and distance. The fastest time will win one of the £20 vouchers provided by our benefits partner – Perkbox.
*Staff can access the Exercise Therapy Service gyms during designated times.
Gym availability is Monday and Thursday from 6:30am–1:00pm and from 8:00pm onwards; Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 6:30am–8:30am, 12:00pm–1:00pm, and from 4:30pm onwards; and Saturday and Sunday from 9:00am–5:00pm.
Please note that access at Hopewood Park may vary, particularly during the evenings. For the latest opening times, please contact the Exercise Therapy Service team directly via ExerciseTherapyHWP@cntw.nhs.uk.
📸 Scenic Photo Competition
We know cycling isn’t possible or suitable for everyone, so we’re also running a scenic photo competition.
Whether you’re walking, wheeling, running, cycling or simply enjoying some time outdoors, we’d love to see your favourite scenic photograph. Spending time outside can have a positive impact on both our physical and mental wellbeing, and this is a great opportunity to share the places that help you recharge.
Our favourite photo will also receive a prize of a £20 voucher from our benefits partner – Perkbox.
🎁 Participation Prize Draw
Everyone who enters either competition will also be entered into an additional prize draw to win a mystery prize, giving everyone an extra chance to win.
All competitions will be running from Monday 3 August – Sunday 9 August. To enter all competitions, please email staffexperienceteam@cntw.nhs.uk