Tag: charity cycle

James is going all the way for charity Winston’s Wish

  • Man’s First Visit to Scotland is 1,000 Mile Charity Ride from Land’s End to John O’Groats
  • James Beeson is cycling from Land’s End to John O’Groats to raise funds for children and young people’s national bereavement charity Winston’s Wish 

Personal trainer James Beeson, 41, has decided to take on the mammoth challenge of cycling nearly 1,000 miles across nine days from the bottom of England to the top of Scotland to raise funds for a special cause.

As well as taking part in an incredible challenge that will see James cycle roughly 110 miles each day as he completes the huge 9-day cycle, the occasion will also mark James’ first visit to Scotland! He says, “I’ve never been to Scotland before so I’m excited for that and I’m looking forward to seeing different parts of the countryside. Cycling is a completely different experience and I know the views will make all the uphill worth it. The event is really well organised with a proper route and overnights in key location complete with hot food and conveniences.

With a fundraising target that has already raised thousands of pounds for Winston’s Wish, the UK’s first children and young people’s charity as well as regional charity Simon Says, James is keen to raise awareness and funds for a cause that is close to his heart.

James explains, “I had just turned seven when I lost my dad in a car accident on the way home from his works Christmas party. Just five years later just as I started secondary school, I also lost my mum to cancer. I know from personal experience just how difficult it is to cope with grief, as a young child and especially as you get older. 

“I was one of the fortunate ones in that my aunt and uncle took me in but there was no professional support easily available to kids in my situation.

“When I was younger, I was just quiet but as I grew older, I found myself getting more and more angry and found myself in lots of tough circumstances. How do you learn to become an adult when you’ve lost two parents?”

James is very much looking forward to travelling to new parts of the country. He says that cycling is, “Also really crucial for headspace too. Running a business and having a family means life is always busy and dealing with your own head can be tough. I’m at peace on my bike, it’s my time to wind down and switch off and allow myself to have that headspace.”

James initially decided to undertake the Ride Across Britain challenge of cycling from Land’s End to John O’Groats when a friend asked for his support to train. He says, “I thought that if I’m going to take part in the cycle then I wanted to do it for a charity that was making such a difference. 

“Simon Says is a local charity and Winston’s Wish supports grieving kids all over the UK and they continue to support bereaved young people right to the age of 25 which I think is a really critical stage, especially when you’ve suffered bereavement. You’re trying to navigate lots of circumstances. You are expected to be an adult and grow up, but you start questioning everything and struggle to fit into a normal world.”

Estimates suggest that each day more than 100 young people are bereaved of a parent and that figure doesn’t equate how many are having to navigate the death of a friend, sibling, teacher or another significant person in their lives. 

Established in 1992, Winston’s Wish has been reaching and supporting bereaved young people and the adults around them when their worlds are turned upside down for more than 30 years. The charity provides support via online content, the Grief in Common Podcast series, as well as on-demand services such as live chat on the website, freephone and ask inbox as well as one-to-one sessions by referral.

James adds, “I am pleased to be raising funds to help support a charity that directs gives advice and support to grieving children and young people.

“I know just how important it is to get help. I still often struggle especially on memorable days or events but have much better systems in place due to years of working on myself with help from loved ones and many different experienced professionals over the years.

“I want to help children who are in a similar situation to me and give them a better chance of coming out it stronger.” 

If you are interested in finding out more about James and his incredible journey or to support him in his venture, then please view his Just Giving page which includes updates on his progress. 

Winston’s Wish is keen to reassure bereaved young people and their families that they are welcome to chat online, email or call for free to speak to a bereavement support worker by calling 08088 020 021, emailing ask@winstonswish.org or using the live chat at winstonswish.org. 

2023 UCI Cycling World Champs’ 23 Million Miles Challenge Hits Target

More than 51,000 riders across the UK and around the world have proven the power of the bike by riding an epic 23 million miles as part of the initiative launched by the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships and Love to Ride, to get more people riding their bikes. 

While all eyes have been on Scotland for the past nine days of scintillating action, cyclists everywhere have been logging miles as part of the 23 Million Mile Challenge since it was launched on 25 April to coincide with 100 days to go until the UCI Cycling World Championships.

Through their combined efforts, this ambitious target was reached yesterday (Thursday, Aug. 10), three days ahead of schedule as the Challenge was set to run until the end of the event on Sunday 13 August.

Among those who logged their miles was Janet Kerr from Fife, a Love to Ride Super User, who has used riding her bike to help her with her medical condition while raising funds for charity.

She said: “I’m always motivated to ride my bike, as it’s the best medicine for my progressive neurological condition but knowing that my efforts are helping to reach a collective goal makes me feel part of a team.

“The Challenge couldn’t have come at a more opportune time as I’ve just cycled from Plymouth to Barcelona to attend a conference as part of a fundraising and raising awareness mission. Talk about killing two birds with one stone and adding 830 miles to the pot was a Brucey Bonus.

“I am unable to walk longer distances, therefore my bike, in a way, is my mobility vehicle and if I am walking beside it, it becomes an expensive zimmer, so for me, the ‘power of the bike,’ has literally been a life saver.”

Christian Lampe, Love to Rides very own Product Lead, also took part in the challenge. He explains why he’s been inspired to take part and what riding his bike means to him. 

He said: “I’m personally inspired by the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships taking place in Glasgow and across Scotland. It’s been a big celebration of cycling in all its forms and having the 23 Million Mile Challenge as part of the celebration is a great way to inspire people to dust off their bikes and go for a ride. Having a target is always motivating and if it’s shared amongst a community then even better.

“Riding my bike means everything to me. It is the ultimate sense of freedom. You can go so far under your own power. There is no dependence on getting fuel, except for sandwiches and pastries, and you can explore much further beyond where a car has to give up and turn around.”

If you’re inspired by the Championships and are looking to challenge yourself to get back on your bike for the first time in a while, both Janet and Christian have some great advice to help you get started.

Janet said: “I didn’t wake up one day and think, ‘I’m going to cycle to Barcelona!’ I started by cycling a few miles, then slowly and gradually building up the distance.

“It is also a good way to introduce your body to a new exercise regime and time for your bottom to get used to the saddle.”

Christian said: “Start small. Set goals along the way and don’t compare yourself to others. It can be inspiring to follow successful riders on social media but remember it will have taken them thousands of hours to get where they are today.

“If you can ride 10 miles, then set a goal to ride 15 miles. Celebrate when you reach each goal. If you keep doing this for a year it will be hard to believe what you can accomplish.”

Trudy Lindblade, 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships Chief Executive, said: “The 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships is an event for everyone, and partnering with Love to Ride has been a great initiative to showcase that.

“Riders of all fitness levels have put in the effort to log their miles and help us achieve this incredible target, and we are grateful for everyone who signed up for the Challenge and harnessed the power of the bike.”

While hitting the target for the 23 Million Mile Challenge is an incredible achievement by all involved, there is still time for individuals to log their miles as the 23 Million Mile Challenge will remain open until Sunday, 13 August when the Women Elite Road Race will go from Loch Lomond to Glasgow’s George Square, bringing the curtain down on an historic first-of-its-kind event.  

RHET Chairman’s Cycle Challenge is on the road

Royal Highland Education Trust Chairman Alistair Marshall is currently covering hundreds of miles over eight days to raise funds for the education charity RHET.

His challenge started at Stobhill Primary, Gorebridge last Tuesday morning, and Alistair is now making his way around all 13 RHET areas across Scotland before arriving at the Royal Highland Showground at Ingliston on Wednesday. 

Thanks to the incredible support for individuals and businesses, the initial target of £10k has been smashed and is currently sitting at over double! NFU Mutual are the lead sponsor for the challenge, with Graham’s Dairies, Kite Consulting, Hillhouse Group, Scottish Blackface Sheep Association and SRUC amongst the next tier supporters.  

Alistiar explained: “Keeping our services free of charge for schools is so important to RHET as it helps us to take the classroom to the countryside, for pupils and schools all over Scotland.

‘This challenge was inspired by our previous chair George Lawrie who took a tractor on tour round Scotland in 2019 and who doesn’t love a bit of friendly competition to inspire a great cause!

“My wife Fiona is cycling with me on the road and we are being joined by RHET volunteers and sponsors, and vintage tractor escorts along the way”. 

Accompanying Alistair is ‘Sky’, one of the RHS ‘Flock to the Show’ sheep who was the winning design by Daniel Threlkeld from Eaglesfield School. Dumfries artist Tricia from Falu Studios adorned Sky with the colourful rural scenes chosen by the judges out of over 1,600 entries.

The winning prize for his design is a free trip to the Royal Highland Show for the whole school. Sky will be auctioned by RHET at their gala dinner next February to keep the fundraising live. 

If you would like to support the chairman’s cycle challenge, there is a dedicated JustGiving page:

https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/RHET-ChairmansCycleChallenge?invite=true

or scan the QR code if you are visiting the Royal Highland Show this week. 

You will be able to see Sky and the other Flock to the Show sheep who will be dotted around the showground as part of a trail for all the family to enjoy. 

Sir Chris Hoy joins hundreds of cyclists to ‘Break the Cycle’

Sir Chris Hoy led the way today as he joined hundreds of other cyclists on a charity cycle from Glasgow to Edinburgh to raise money to help build two new villages for people experiencing homelessness.

The Olympic legend completed the 60-mile route to support Social Bite’s ‘Break the Cycle’ campaign which has so far raised over £700,000 as it aims to fund the creation of two new Social Bite Villages in Glasgow and London.

The cyclists set off from the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome and pedalled through to the finish line in Edinburgh, near the Social Bite Village in Granton on Sunday 5 September.

Each of the participating cyclists fundraised since the campaign launched earlier this year, with entrants having access to a host of special prizes, including naming a house at one of the new villages and a signed medal from Sir Chris.

Amongst the 540 participants was former Scotland Rugby player, John Barclay, as well as residents and staff from the Social Bite Village in Edinburgh.

TV fitness guru, Mr Motivator, was also on hand to warm the cyclists up on the start line and welcome them over the finish line at the end of their journey.

Josh Littlejohn MBE, CEO and Co-Founder of Social Bite, who also completed the cycle, said: “It’s fantastic to have the opportunity to cycle alongside a sporting hero like Sir Chris and the hundreds of other passionate supporters that completed the route alongside us.

“Having so many people support the cause is incredibly humbling and Sir Chris’ backing of this campaign has been a major boost in our efforts to raise money for two new villages for people in a situation of homelessness.

“We’re working very hard behind the scenes on the plans for two further Social Bite Villages in not just London and Glasgow but other major cities as well, and the money from Break the Cycle will help turn these plans into a reality. We’re all very grateful to all of our supporters and partners who have helped push the campaign forward.”

As well as the charity cycle, the fundraising campaign has been open to all levels of fitness and ability, with people across the UK taking part in virtual challenges since March to raise money.

Challenges have ranged from long distance challenges, through to different exercise routines depending on what suited people best.

Sir Chris Hoy said: “I’ve been a huge supporter of Social Bite and the incredible work it does for a number of years now.

“I’ve seen the positive impact the charity has on so many people’s lives and I’m really thankful to everyone who has been able to support the Break the Cycle campaign so far.

“It was fantastic to meet all the other cyclists and join them for the ride which will make such a difference to the lives of people experiencing homelessness.”

Since opening in July 2018, Social Bite’s Edinburgh village in partnership with Cyrenians has helped 43 people find their feet again, 100% of the residents in a recent survey preferred living at the Social Bite Village over Hostels or B&Bs.

The village offers a supportive community to help people build an independent life, with the village blueprint offering an alternative to how society responds to homelessness.

Money raised from the Break the Cycle campaign will go towards creating the two highly supported communities with the pro bono help of engineering firm Arup.

10% of funds raised from the event will also be donated to SAMH, the Scottish Association for Mental Health and further funds will be invested in Social Bite’s mission to Break the Cycle of homelessness by providing food, employment opportunities, and housing projects.

To find our more or donate, please visit: breakthecycle.co.uk

Rawhides: Riding 4 Artemis

Rawhides take on 800 mile cycle challenge from the Highlands to Wiltshire to support The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity in memory of Artemis Wood

 In November 2019, Artemis Alice Wood, youngest daughter of Jody and Juliana Wood, tragically lost her battle with Juvenile Myelomonocytic Leukaemia (JMML), aged just three. JMML is a rare form of myelodysplasia sharing some of the characteristics of Leukaemia. 

Artemis was born in Singapore, where her father Jody, a keen amateur cyclist, rode out most weekends with the Rawhides, an amateur cycle club founded in Singapore by a group of friends, all expatriates from the UK.

In July 2021, Jody and a group from the club are attempting to cycle from the north coast of Scotland to the North Wessex Downs in Wiltshire in 8 days, in memory of Artemis and to raise money for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity and The Institute for Cancer Research.

Jody Wood explained: “Artemis showed fortitude and courage right until the very end.  She really was the bravest of little girls and we hope that this ride will raise incredibly valuable funds, in Artemis’ name, to support care and treatment for other children who so desperately need it.

“Artemis touched so many lives, and as a family we are honoured that the Institute of Cancer research has named one of their brand-new collaboration hubs The Artemis Wood Collaboration Hub.

“The treatment and care she received from the Royal Marsden and St George’s Hospital was nothing short of breath-taking. I hope that The Rawhides’ Ride 4 Artemis will therefore not only support their work, but also raise awareness of the extraordinary job they are doing.”

Artemis was diagnosed at Southampton University Hospital and received treatment at The Royal Marsden and St George’s Hospital, Tooting.

She successfully underwent a stem cell transplant at The Oak Centre For Children and Young People at The Royal Marsden’s Sutton campus, in September 2019.  Matilda, her big sister, provided the stem cells. 

However, whilst the transplant was successful, the side effects of the chemotherapy and transplant were too much for Artemis’ little body to bear. 

The money the team hope to raise will be split between The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity and the Institute of Cancer Research.

Professor Mel Greaves, Institute of Cancer Research, whose life has been dedicated to leukemia research, said “Everyone here at the ICR, is honoured that you have chosen to support our research in Artemis’ name and memory.

“We are humbled to be part of her legacy, and we would like to create an enduring link between Artemis and the research advances we will be making for years to come.  Given the time we have lost to COVID over the last year, developing smarter, kinder treatments for young patients is vitally important to our mission.

“The generosity of our supporters and donors is incredibly important at this time and we would like to thank you once again and wish you all the best for the ride.”

Dr Rob Dowse, Consultant Paediatric Haematologist at The Royal Marsden, who treated Artemis, said: “Around the world teams of scientists, doctors and patients are collaborating to discover how JMML happens, and to find more targeted, kinder and more effective treatments.

“It is our hope that together we find the treatment that means in the future, all children like Artemis can survive and thrive. The funds raised by these 14 cyclists will help ensure our research teams can continue to make progress. I wish them the best of luck!”

The Rawhides Riding 4 Artemis will take the team on an 800 mile journey starting from Durness, where they will turn down the West Coast of Scotland, past Ullapool and then back inland towards Inverness. 

From there, it is on to Fort William and past Glasgow into Ayr.  On crossing the border back into England, the group will make their way to Penrith, taking in the Yorkshire Dales before moving onto the Peak District. 

The final legs (and possibly the final legs of the riders too!) will see them pedal through Oxfordshire before finishing up in Wiltshire.  The riders will pedal over a hundred miles a day for eight days in a row, with a few hills and no doubt some traditional British weather & Covid restrictions thrown in along the way!

You can follow all the action on Instagram or Facebook – @fundraising4artemis

To support the Rawhides in this endeavour, please visit their Virgin Money page: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/RawhidesRiding4Artemis

All you need to know in 60 Seconds – https://vimeo.com/551831890/b640df5f0d

Cricket Scotland stars set off on epic charity cycle in memory of team mate

Players’ Cycle for Con inspired by team mate lost to brain tumour

The death of Cricket Scotland player Con de Lange to a brain tumour at the age of 38 has inspired two team mates to take on a cycling challenge to help find a cure for the disease.

Craig Wallace, aged 30, from Carnoustie, and Ali Evans, 31, from Edinburgh, will be pedalling 672 miles in seven days with the distance representing the fact that Con was the 672nd person to play for Scotland.

The pair will start in Dundee on Thursday (1 October) and their route will take them to numerous clubs and destinations across Scotland which were loved by Con.

They’ll take in St Andrews, Fife, Perth, Aberdeen, Edinburgh and finish in Carnoustie. Coronavirus restrictions have meant the original plan to also visit many county grounds in England which Con knew and loved, including Northampton and Blackburn, have been scrapped.

Con (above) died in April last year two years after he first became ill. He left a wife Claire and two children, Daisy and Rory. A talented all-rounder, Con’s professional career began in his native South Africa. He went on to play county cricket for Northamptonshire before representing Scotland internationally.

Craig said: “Con was just such a proper, genuine and nice man; one of the finest gentleman I have ever met. He was always the one who would go round the dressing room, checking everyone was OK.

“He loved pulling pranks on us and would always have some kind of remote control spider or snake which he would leave lurking around someone’s hotel room when we were away on tour.

“I’m fortunate to have met him through cricket. Con represented Scotland in 2015 and took the team from strength to strength. It’s where I and so many got to see his cheeky smile, his caring attitude and most importantly his competitive nature, every day.”

Craig and Ali’s Cycle for Con has already raised £4,600 for the charity Brain Tumour Research, the only national charity in the UK singularly focused on finding a cure for brain tumours through campaigning for an increase in the national investment into research to £35 million a year, while fundraising to create a sustainable network of brain tumour research centres in the UK.

Craig added: “Brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer.

“Too many great people like Con are dying too young and that’s why we want to raise as much awareness of this disease as we can for him and his amazing family and to raise as much money as we can to help other people affected by this horrible cancer and to stop it happening in the future.”

Brain Tumour Research funds sustainable research at dedicated centres in the UK. It also campaigns for the Government and the larger cancer charities to invest more in research into brain tumours in order to speed up new treatments for patients and, ultimately, to find a cure.

The charity is calling for a national annual spend of £35 million in order to improve survival rates and patient outcomes in line with other cancers such as breast cancer and leukaemia and is also campaigning for greater repurposing of drugs.

Gus Mackay, Chief Executive of Cricket Scotland, said: “It is fantastic to see the cricket community come together to raise nearly £5,000 to support Craig and Ali’s #Cycle4Con challenge in honour of the late Con de Lange.

“Cricket Scotland is behind Craig and Ali all the way, and we can’t wait to follow along with their progress and see how much is raised for Brain Tumour Research.”  

To sponsor Craig and Ali please go to www.justgiving.com/craig-wallace4  and follow their journey on social media using #CycleforCon

World’s Strongest Disabled Man Attempts 100-Mile Hand-Cycle Ride for Charity

Pete Linnett, 3x World’s Strongest Disabled Man, will attempt to hand-cycle 100 miles from Leicester to Skegness this summer in aid of the charity Spinal Research.

The 56-year-old, who was born with spina bifida and uses crutches to walk, will attempt the event on 15 August with 6 close friends.

“I am one of the lucky few who can still walk, and I exercise this by supporting those who can’t,” the man from Glen Parva said. “Spinal Research is a cause close to my heart because I know there are a lot of people worse off than me”.

Pete, who is also a 4x World Bench Press Champion, first wanted to attempt this challenge in 2015 but broke his knee so had to pull out.

He then managed to complete the challenge in 2017 and raised nearly £1000 for Spinal Research in the process.

“I swore I’d never EVER do it again, but I am too easily persuaded!” the former British Paralympian said.

While training, Pete also planned another challenge to take on afterwards, where he will bench press 10 reps at 60kg every 5 minutes for 6 hours, also in aid of Spinal Research.

For more information about Pete Linnett go to his Instagram @petelinnett_poweror to donate, https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/pete-linnett1

For more information about Spinal Research contact info@spinal-research.org or call on 020 7653 8935

Cyclist takes on NSPCC challenge

A cyclist has pledged to clock up 300km in 30 days to raise money for NSPCC Scotland to help protect children from harm.

David O’Rourke, who took up cycling ventures for charity about six years ago, is completing the challenge in lanes and roads around his Linlithgow home.

All the money raised will go to the NSPCC, which helps protect children from abuse, and has provided a lifeline through its Childline service for hundreds of children in Scotland through the Coronavirus pandemic.

David, 47, said the lockdown had made him think about those, especially children, for whom home was a difficult place to be and that was why he decided this year to support the NSPCC.

Since lockdown, Childline counsellors have heard from children whose parents have lost their jobs and are under growing financial pressure, as well as from young carers struggling to look after their siblings while their parents are ill with Coronavirus symptoms. Some children have talked about experiencing abuse and feeling trapped and isolated.

David, whose cycling challenges have included London to Paris, said: “I started cycling about six years ago to get fitter and to lose weight. I like to pick a charity and have a target, as it makes you get up and go out in the morning. The lockdown for so many people is not a nice thing but one good thing is that you can get out and exercise.”

Speaking about why he chose the NSPCC, David, a team manager at information technology company Atos, said: “When I look back at my childhood, I realise I was really lucky and that not everybody is as fortunate.

“There are kids who live in environments that aren’t very good, and the lockdown will be making life even harder for them, so I decided that I wanted to support the brilliant work of the NSPCC.”

Caroline Renton, Supporter Fundraising Manager for NSPCC Scotland, said: “We’re very grateful to David, as we are to all of those who are raising funds for us during this difficult period, especially when so many of the big fundraising challenges have been cancelled or postponed.

“Throughout the public health crisis, we have been there for children and we continue to be so. Our Helpline experts are there to take calls from any adults concerned about a child and our Childline counsellors are there for children, struggling with a range of issues, including their mental health, family relationships and experiencing abuse.

“Our counsellors are there to listen to them, provide support and guide them to make decisions that are right for them.

“I’d encourage anyone who would like to support us to take inspiration from David and sign up for one of our challenges or come up with a fundraising idea of your own.”

If you would like to help raise funds for the charity:

contact scotlandfundraising@nspcc.org.uk

or visit https://www.nspcc.org.uk/what-you-can-do/charity-runs-cycles-and-challenges/charity-cycles/ride300/

Anyone who would like to sponsor David can visit his fundraising page: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/davidjorourke.

Children and young people can contact Childline about any worries by calling 0800 1111 or visiting the site. 

The NSPCC Helpline is available for advice and support on 0808 800 5000 or via help@nspcc.org.uk.

Holyrood Hotel helps injured cyclist on road to recovery

Macdonald Holyrood Hotel is helping a former school teacher cycle more than 1,000 miles around Scotland as he sets off to raise awareness of debilitating head-injuries and the importance of wellbeing, following his own accident. Continue reading Holyrood Hotel helps injured cyclist on road to recovery

Plans unveiled for ‘biggest-ever’ Tour de Forth cycle event

Organisers of a major cycle event in Edinburgh say next year’s race is on track to be their biggest yet. More than 800 cyclists took part in 2017’s Tour de Forth, raising £54,000 for the charities Mercy Corps & Radio Forth’s Cash for Kids – £12,000 more than in 2016. Continue reading Plans unveiled for ‘biggest-ever’ Tour de Forth cycle event