Page 34 - link magazine

Sport and Leisure

Swindon to Barcelona cycling challenge for Pride of Swindon winner and team

Local cycling enthusiast and Pride
of Swindon award winner Ricardo
Defazio challenged himself and five
team members to pedal their way
from the County Ground to the
Camp Nou football stadium, home
of FC Barcelona, during April.
Ricardo and his team took on
the eight day bike ride to support
several local charities including
Prospect Hospice, Brighter Futures
and Younite Outreach Project.
The ‘S2B4C’ team of Ricardo
Defazio, Steve Summers, Steve From left: Steve Duff, Steve Summers, Peter Woolley, Ricardo Defazio, Vanessa Ryman and Louise Eggleton
Duff, Louise Eggleton, Vanessa departing from the County Ground
Ryman and Peter Woolley rode
almost 1,000 miles in eight days, Before setting out on the journey, around £400 for a different local and given us training on how to
cycling with various groups and Ricardo said: “In the last 12 months charity. repair bikes whilst we are on the
contacts along the route including I ran a bootcamp club for the “We’ve received incredible road.”
the Bikebreakers who formed a 30 community. Every other month we support from Hargroves Cycles, To sponsor the challenge visit:
strong peloton to help conquer the hold an all day event which brings who have fettled the bikes free of www.justgiving.com/Ricardo-
Pyrenees mountains. people together and helps raise charge, supplied parts at cost price Defazio
Unassisted cycling challenge from Swindon to the southernmost point of Sicily

James Stewart, of St Andrews Ridge, will take on the monumental task of always wanted to do something for charity, but as a former professional
riding unassisted from Swindon to Portopalo di Capo Passero; the most cyclist myself it had to be extremely demanding.
southern point of the Italian island of Sicily in 21 days during June. “I have a sister called Angela, who has from birth suffered from a cruel
The 2,300 mile trip will take James through continental Europe, over the neurological disorder called Rett syndrome, that has trapped her inside
Italian Alps and through multiple borders to raise money for the Reverse her own body.”
Rett charity. Rett syndrome is a neurological condition that leaves most people
James said: “There will be no team mates, no peleton (group) to unable to speak, walk or use their hands.
slipstream, no following support cars or fancy team buses. Just me, my For more information, visit:
bike, my tent and whatever luggage I can minimally survive with. I have www.justgiving.com/ James-Stewart35
2016 Walkley Walk to support Challenge yourself and support Inner Flame

Brighter Futures

The Rotary Club of Swindon supporting the Brighter Futures
Thamesdown will once again host radiotherapy appeal this year,
the Walkley overnight Walk on although you are welcome to
11/12 June. nominate your own charity to raise Inner Flame is challenging the both for independent life and
The challenging and rewarding sponsorship for. public in Swindon and Wiltshire employment.
event will take you along some 20 The walk will commence at around to take on the traditional ‘English Its core belief is that everyone
plus miles of the ancient Ridgeway 11pm and there is a small charge of Channel’ distance but with a needs to do something meaningful
trail, from the Avebury stones £10 per participant. This is to cover personalised twist. in their life, and that every young
along the trail to the Nationwide the costs of running the event and Throughout May, Inner Flame is person has something amazing to
headquarters just outside Old Town. includes the refreshments, safety asking you to ‘go the distance’ in contribute to the world. When this
Since Walkley Midnight Walks arrangements and participant whichever sporting activity you potential is realised, great things
started over twenty years ago, transport facilities. choose – the more creative the happen.
£180,000 has been raised for local, The Rotary Club is a non-profit better. The money that is raised will go
national and international charities. organisation and all proceeds from The distance of 21 miles can directly into funding vital resources
Whilst the Rotary Club provide the event will go to nominated be completed in as many or few to make Inner Flame courses
basic guidance, care and support charities and the Brighter Futures sessions as you like between 1 and possible, including key work with
services you will need to be fit to appeal. 31 May, and you can feel great the Prince’s Trust and a ‘Come
cope with the hills, rough terrain The event check-in is at knowing that you’re directly raising Thrive With Me’ course which
and the duration of the event. You Nationwide House car park on money for young people in your involves six weeks of intensive life
will also need to be properly dressed Pipers Way, where a coach will take community. skill lessons, including cookery and
and equipped for the conditions on you to the starting point at Avebury. Inner Flame is a Wiltshire-based even self defence.
the night. To register for the Walkley Walk charity that aim to help young See details on Inner Flame or its
The Rotary Club are officially visit: www.walkleywalk.org.uk people develop the skills required challenge at www.innerflame.org.uk
34 swindonlink.com n May 2016