The fully supported three-day ride will see more than 50 participants cycle to Paris from 3 - 6 September 2026, raising vital funds for children’s medical research. The challenge brings together professionals from across the legal, financial, investment, property and consulting professions to network, collaborate and support life-changing research. 

The event is made possible thanks to support from Möntare lead partners, Top 20 accountancy and tax firm Saffery and full-service AIM-listed law firm Keystone Law, and supporting partner intellectual property firm, Mewburn Ellis. 

Möntare is organised by Action Medical Research, the UK children’s charity funding research into conditions affecting babies, children and young people, including rare diseases, premature birth and neurological conditions. 

The route will take riders from Penshurst Place in Kent to Calais, onward to Amiens, before a final stage into Paris and a finish near the Eiffel Tower. The event is supported by professional ride guides, mechanics and medical staff throughout. 

Elizabeth Hartless, Private Client Partner from Saffery, says: “Taking part in Möntare is an incredible opportunity for members of our firm to challenge ourselves and network with other professionals, while supporting the vital work of Action Medical Research. The charity has funded groundbreaking research that has improved and saved countless children’s lives, and we’re proud to play our part in helping fund the next breakthrough.”

Funds raised through the event will help Action continue to fund breakthroughs, like those already achieved including the development of ultrasound in pregnancy, advances in meningitis treatment and research into rare childhood diseases.

Among the riders taking part will be Sarah Thompson, a partner at Keystone Law, and her husband Mike along with their 14-year-old son Johnny. 

Johnny was born at just 30 weeks at St Mary’s Hospital in Manchester and taken to the neo-natal intensive care unit.

"The constant beeping of machines and alarms going off has stayed with us to this day – whenever we hear those sounds on the TV or radio, we’re both immediately transported back to NICU," recalls Mike.

"Over the days that followed we were encouraged to have skin-to-skin contact with him – feeding him via a nasogastric tube, cleaning him and generally just holding him, which meant a great deal and allowed us to speak and sing songs to him."   

After 10 days, he was moved to a high dependency unit in Stepping Hill Hospital in Stockport nearer their home in the Peak District.

"Eventually, at six weeks old and weighing just over 5lbs, he was off oxygen and able to breastfeed and we were allowed to take him home. This meant that we had to very quickly prepare a nursery and get clothes for a premature baby, as we hadn’t had the chance to get anything ready." 

Johnny suffered from bouts of croup, a result of the intubations he received in the NICU causing cysts to develop in his windpipe. He underwent an operation at 18 months old to remove the cysts.

Today, he is a determined teenager who loves cycling and has already tackled a number of classic climbs. 

"We felt incredibly lucky that Johnny just needed support and to be allowed time to develop," adds Mike. "We remember the other babies who were in the NICU alongside Johnny, many of whom had far more serious conditions that will have led to long-term, possibly life-limiting, health conditions. 

"This is why we feel it is important for us to fundraise for research into premature birth and neonatal care. Improving our understanding of what causes premature birth, and how neonatal care can be made more effective, are key to enabling healthcare teams to help families like ours."

Zoe Westerman, Cycling Events Management Executive, Action Medical Research, says: “Möntare is our newest professional networking ride, combining an iconic London to Paris cycling challenge with the chance to build lasting industry connections. Over three supported days, riders will travel via Calais and Amiens before finishing in Paris, with a special final stage joined by cycling legend Lizzie Deignan, thanks to our partner Saffery. It’s a unique experience designed to create memories for life while supporting the vital work of Action Medical Research.”

Action Medical Research is looking for partners to be a part of this unique industry ride. If you want a slice of the action, contact zwesterman@action.org.uk  or download our Become A Partner info pack.   

Find out more: https://action.org.uk/events/corporate-events/montare.