SAFC boss joins peloton to fundraise for Foundation

SAFC Chief Operating Officer Steve Davison is to join a peloton of cyclists aiming to raise thousands of pounds for the club’s charity, the Foundation of Light.

Keen cyclist Steve will be joined by his wife Janet, who holds the world record for most miles cycled in a month, for the annual Foundation of Light Cycle Challenge which takes place in July (2-5).

This year’s three-day, 200-mile ride will be from Paris to London. About 20 cyclists are already signed up for this year’s challenge, including BBC Look North presenter Jeff Brown.

There are still spaces available for interested cyclists – in order to take part you must have your own road bike, be capable of cycling 20 miles at 12mph without stopping and have your own insurance for the ride. Cyclists need to fundraise £1,650 to take part, and the Foundation can help riders with fundraising ideas.

All travel, accommodation and meals (including drinks and snacks on the ride) are covered in the cost of the ride, as is a bespoke cycle jersey designed especially for the ride.

This is the 11^th Foundation cycle challenge, and over the years hundreds of thousands of pounds have been raised for the charity, which works with young people and their families throughout the north east.

Last year 39 cyclists completed a 280-mille route from Pisa to Rome. Previous rides have been from Dublin to Sunderland; Pisa to Venice; Brussels to Paris, the French Atlantic coast to the Mediterranean; Poland to Prague, Dubrovnik to Split in Croatia and Geneva to eastern France.

Steve said: “Foundation of Light plays an integral role and has an ever-growing presence throughout the City of Sunderland, South Tyneside and County Durham. The annual Cycle Challenge is just one of the ways that vital funds are raised to support the diverse and innovative work they undertake throughout the region, so it is a privilege for Janet and I to be taking part this summer.

“We are thoroughly looking forward to it and would encourage all to play their part and donate what they can, with all funds raised going straight back into the heart of our community.”

The ride will be led by experienced cyclist Susan Hall, who also owns and runs popular Sunderland hair and beauty salon Reds. Susan has completed all 11 of the Foundation rides and has cycled all around the world, including places like Costa Rica, Vietnam, Thailand and Cambodia, as well as many European countries.

Susan said: “I’ve completed the Paris to London ride eight times and it’s a lovely route. There are dozens of picturesque, quaint French villages and towns between Paris and the coast, and then some glorious English country to cycle through on this side of the Channel.

“The annual Foundation ride is always a challenge, but is also hugely enjoyable with a tremendous sense of support and camaraderie.”

Jemma Dowson, Head of Events at the Foundation, said: “The Cycle Challenge has become one of our most important fundraisers and we’re very grateful to all of the cyclists who’ve already signed up.

“We still have a few spaces left so anyone interested should get in touch as soon as possible. Training rides will start shortly. We also have sponsorship opportunities, including shirt sponsorship, which start at £125 plus VAT.” Anyone interested in signing up or supporting the challenge through sponsorship should email Jemma on [email protected] before Friday, May 12.

Janet broke the Guinness World Record of most miles cycled in a month between July 24 and August 22, 2015. She cycled an average of 134 miles a day, setting off most days at 7.30am and spending about ten hours a day in the saddle, whatever the weather.

The award-winning Foundation of Light was established in 2001 and uses the power of football to involve, educate and inspire people of all ages and from all backgrounds to realise their potential.

One of the largest and leading sports charities in the UK, it has an excellent track record of working with children, young people and their families. Structurally and financially independent of Sunderland Football Club, the Foundation raises more than £4 million every year to deliver life changing and pioneering programmes across the region.