A 45-year-old man from Wolverhampton and a group of his adventure loving friends have seen their fundraising for Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity tip over £25,000 after taking on three of the UK’s tallest mountains and cycling over 155 miles earlier this year.  

Ten years ago, Carlo Matarazzo, Sales Director of Signs Now UK and Director of Digital Sign Solutions, embarked on a mission to raise funds for Birmingham Children's Hospital Charity. With a vision to make a difference, Carlo initiated his first challenge and took 20 friends to complete the National Three Peaks Challenge within 24 hours under the name 'Team Atlantis.' 

Over the next decade and since its inaugural event, Team Atlantis grew and evolved, organising various fundraising activities in aid of the charity. This year, to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the first challenge, Team Atlantis took on the National Three Peaks Challenge once again, climbing Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon in the same 24-hour timeframe as before. 

If that wasn’t enough of a challenge, three weeks later Carlo and different group of enthusiastic Team Atlantis participants took on another ambitious endeavour; the Coast to Coast 155-mile cycle ride from Cumbria to Tyneside, to boost their 10-year fundraising total.  

Carlo said: “Team Atlantis began as a small group of friends climbing a few mountains for a worthy local cause and over the years, more and more of my friends have joined me for various challenges and they’ve all shared my passion and determination to make a difference and raise awareness for Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity. 

“The Three Peaks Challenge seemed a lot harder than it did that first time but then we are 10 years older. Nevertheless, we managed it and I’m so proud of my teammates, and those who joined me for the coast-to-coast cycle less than a month later. I’d also like to say a special thank you to Martin Sadler, Director of the Indasol Group and Simeon Tinant, Director of Amari Plastics Wednesbury, who sponsored the team kits for the challenges.” 

Celebrating the 10-year milestone, Carlo continued: “I’m filled with gratitude and a renewed determination to continue supporting the Birmingham Children's Hospital Charity. The journey of Team Atlantis is a testament to the power of community and the enduring spirit of giving. Here's to many more years of making a difference together.”  

Katie Harris, Corporate Partnerships Officer at Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity, said: “Carlo, Team Atlantis and Signs Now have championed our hospital and charity for a whole decade, and we can’t thank them enough for their dedication and passion. 

“As well as raising awareness for our charity, Carlo and Team Atlantis have raised an awe-inspiring sum over their ten fantastic fundraising years, helping us do more for countless sick kids in our hospital’s care. We can’t wait to see what adventures they’ll go on next!”