A 500 mile, 11 day cycle to every Premier League club by Arsenal legend, Bob Wilson, has raised more than £300,000 for his charity, the Willow Foundation. But this is just the start - Grass Roots and sister company, Cyclescheme, have teamed up with the charity for a nationwide Charity Cycle Challenge encouraging people to take Bob's lead and get on their bikes for Willow between now and July.
The initiative launched with a cycle polo match at the Tring Athletic Football Club in Hertfordshire. The match aimed to show that cycling isn't always about distance and stamina but can also be fun and involve working as a team. And that's exactly what the Charity Cycle Challenge is all about - taking part and enjoying time with friends while raising money for the Willow Foundation - a national charity that provides life enhancing and uplifting experiences for seriously ill 16 to 40 year olds throughout the UK.
Those interested in taking part in the Charity Cycle Challenge can find out more by logging onto www.bobwilsonsoccercycle.com where they can download a participant pack and sponsorship form as well as register their ride. Cycle challenges can take place wherever individuals' choose, with whoever they choose and be of any distance. Whether its cycling to work or school, against the clock in the gym or taking part in a team cycle - all participants of any age are welcome. After all Bob took on his cycle challenge aged almost 70.
Bob hopes his cycle experience will inspire others to get involved. His personal diary and photo diary of the 11 day cycle challenge, which set off from Fulham's Craven Cottage, visited all London clubs on day one, before heading north and finishing at Newcastle's St James' Park, plus an extra visit to Scotland's Hampden Park can also be viewed on the website. His challenge was both empowering and rewarding and Bob hopes will act as a catalyst for further cycle challenges up and down the country.
"Every pound raised for Willow really will help make a positive difference to the lives of young people living with life threatening conditions such as cancer, motor neurone disease, cystic fibrosis, muscular dystrophy and organ failure. Willow's special days help them and their families rebuild lost confidence and restore some normality to their lives away from the pressures of hospital visits and treatment. With your support we can help create many more precious, positive memories of family life even in the most difficult of circumstances ". Bob Wilson OBE, Life President, Willow Foundation.
For details on the Charity Cycle Challenge visit www.bobwilsonsoccercycle.com