On Friday, September 26, the Real Estate Finance (REF) division at Secure Trust Bank, took on the ‘REF ramble’ a 20-mile walk along the Thames, raising funds for the charity.
The team chose the Bone Cancer Research Trust as their charity partner for the walk because they lost their close colleague to bone cancer after a brief battle.
Former Managing Director, Jon Bowers, sadly passed away from Dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma in January 2025. As a close friend and mentor to many, this year’s REF Ramble was completed in Jon’s memory.
Around 40 people started the walk in Goring, stopping at the bank’s Reading office for lunch where they enjoyed time with colleagues and then continued to Henley-on-Thames.
Joined by individuals and local businesses, the event this year has raised £23,584.75, with added match funding of £7,600 from Secure Trust Bank.
Mike Feasey, Relationship Director at Secure Trust Bank, shared:
“Selecting the Bone Cancer Research Trust as our charity partner this year was an easy decision. Earlier in the year, we sadly lost Jon, and he was so inspirational and courageous. It was a loss felt deeply across the organisation. Taking on this challenge in his memory felt like the most fitting tribute.
Jon’s son, Alasdair, also joined the walk and was proud to see everyone uniting for his father:
“Jon was not only a devoted husband and father, but also a cherished friend, respected colleague, and mentor to many. His impact was felt widely, and his absence is deeply felt by all who knew him. It was wonderful to see his colleagues and the Bone Cancer Research Trust come together in my father’s honour. These donations will help make such a difference to those affected by chondrosarcoma and beyond.
Leah Holmes, Regional Relationship Manager at the Bone Cancer Research Trust also went along, she said:
“It was wonderful to join the REF ramble and walk alongside the generous and kind STB team. They are all so inspiring and you can see how united they are completing this in Jon’s memory. The donations raised will help to fund vital research and aims to help to improve outcomes for people affected by chondrosarcoma while also raising much-needed awareness of primary bone cancer.
If you would like to donate to the REF ramble, please visit: Mike Feasey is fundraising for Bone Cancer Research Trust
REF Ramble 2025
