11 June 2025
Corporate News

Port Talbot steelworker completes epic 450-mile bike ride to support mental health charity

Port Talbot landscape banner

Five days after departing Paris on 12 May, Joe Kerr arrived at Tata Steel UK’s iconic Port Talbot site, proudly posing for photos against the industrial skyline as he completed an epic cycling journey in support of an extraordinary cause.

This 450 mile journey from Paris to Baglan, which tested Joe to his limit, was all for an excellent cause – Neath Port Talbot Mind –  and in memory of his close friend Ryan Lewis, who sadly took his own life in 2014. 

To date, Joe has raised over £1,700 through his GoFundMe campaign, with donations still coming in from generous supporters.

“The Hardest Challenge Yet”

Speaking of the bike ride from France’s capital to the UK’s steel capital, Joe, who works as a welder at Tata Steel UK’s Port Talbot site, said: 

“I have done several of these types of challenges now, but this was without a doubt the hardest. 

“What kept me going was the thought that it was never as tough as what my friend Ryan and many others go through on a daily basis.  

“The ride was in memory of Ryan Lewis and every other person out there that has sadly taken their own life due to mental health challenges.Their names on my shirt is what kept me going.”

Neath Port Talbot Mind plays an essential role in providing mental health services locally and nationally. Joe’s fundraising efforts help the charity continue offering vital support, counselling, and resources to individuals in need.

He finished: “I am so proud to honour Ryan and to raise money for Neath Port Talbot Mind. Thank you to everyone who has donated and to anyone who does donate to this brilliant cause.”  

How You Can Help

If you would like to learn more about Joe’s inspiring journey or contribute to his fundraiser, please visit his GoFundMe page here: Fundraiser by Joseph Kerr : Paris to Baglan bike ride 

Joe Kerr against Eiffel Tower

About Tata Steel UK

  • The Tata Steel Group has been named one of the most ethical companies in the world, and is among the top producing global steel companies with an annual crude steel capacity of 34 million tonnes. 
    Tata Steel in the UK has the ambition to produce net-zero steel by 2045 at the latest, and to have reduced 30% of its CO2 emissions by 2030.
  • In October 2024, Tata Steel ceased ironmaking at its Port Talbot site and temporarily paused steelmaking pending the construction of a 3.2Mtpa Electric Arc Furnace, due to be commissioned late in 2027 / early 2028. For that period, the business will import slab and hot rolled coil to support manufacturing and distribution operations at sites across Wales, England and Northern Ireland as well as Norway, Sweden, France, Germany and UAE. It also benefits from a network of sales offices around the world.
  • Throughout 2024 Tata Steel UK has been undergoing a restructuring that will reduce the size of its workforce to around 5000 direct employees, supplying high-quality steel products to demanding markets, including construction and infrastructure, automotive, packaging and engineering.
  • Tata Steel Group is one of the world's most geographically-diversified steel producers, with operations and a commercial presence across the world.
  • The group recorded a consolidated turnover of around US$26 billion in the financial year ending March 31, 2025.
     

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