News Walthamstow

Walthamstow builders raise £1,780 for children’s hospital by cycling to Brighton

While five of the AE4 Build crew had spent months training for the ride, one had only learned to ride a bike for the first time a few days before the race

From left: Robert Nascu, Ahmmad Elsaied, Mohamed Toheed, John Spahiu, Saman Ahadi and Mukund Venkat

Six Walthamstow builders raised £1,780 for Great Ormond Street Hospital by cycling 55 miles in the annual London to Brighton charity bike ride on 15th September.

While five of the AE4 Build crew had spent months training for the ride, one had only learned to ride a bike for the first time a few days before the race.

Mukund Venkat is the newest member of the AE4 Build team, joining just a few weeks’ ago. But that didn’t stop him getting involved: “Mukund didn’t cycle before yesterday and practised only two days before the ride,” says Ahmmad Elsaied, founder of AE4 Build.

Ahmmad says Mukund enjoyed the day so much he now has plans to get his family involved: “He loved it and now he wants to continue cycling with his son,” adds Ahmmad. 

This is the fourth year running that Ahmmad has signed up for the bike ride, and every year his cycling team grows: “Mohamed started with me 4 years ago, then Robert and Saman joined two years ago and this year Mukund joined us.” 


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Speaking glowingly of his cycling crew Ahmmad says: “We are six people from six different countries: Romania, Egypt, Pakistan, Albania, Iran and India. We all have different backgrounds, different beliefs and different cultures. But we are all joining together to raise money for a great cause in the UK which I find fascinating and powerful. We are like brothers really.”

Ahmmad Elsaied and Mukund Venkat

The ever-expanding cycling crew reflects the steady growth of AE4 Build over the years. The 16-strong firm, which specialises in extensions, renovations and loft conversions, has finished over 100 projects across London. 

Ahmmad also employs apprentices through Waltham Forest College and says he values the apprenticeship process which has resulted in one long-term hire so far. “We believe everyone struggles at the beginning. It is good to help people who deserve it and we get to know if they are really worth keeping in the team or not. So far we’ve managed to add one decent person to the team.” 


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