A pair of rugby enthusiasts are preparing to embark on an 850-mile cycle ride which will end with them carrying the matchball to this year’s Heineken Champions Cup Final in France.
Ben Martyn and Dan Turnock will set off on their epic charity cycle ride this Saturday (21st May) from Twickenham, ahead of the Big Summer Kick-Off match between Harlequins and Gloucester.
During the ‘Le Rugby Ride’, they will cycle more than 120 miles a day before arriving at the prestigious European showcase in Marseille a week later.
The pair will be raising money for Wooden Spoon, the children’s charity of rugby, and Crowborough RFC, where Ben was a former captain and Dan is a minis coach for his son’s two teams.
Dan said they first became aware of Wooden Spoon’s work, funding life-changing projects that support children and young people with disabilities or living in disadvantage, after taking part in the charity’s Vets Fest tournament last year.
He added: “During lockdown, we decided that we wanted to do a big fundraiser. Lands End to John O’Groats was mentioned and then we thought we could combine the home of English rugby with the final of the European cup.
“During last year’s Vets Fest, we heard from people who had been supported from Wooden Spoon and there was barely a dry eye. It was incredibly inspirational and we are delighted to be supporting Wooden Spoon with this charity ride.”
Dan and Ben, both 39 years old and from Crowborough, are hoping to raise £10,000 for both the national charity and their local rugby club.
Dan said: “While we have not done anything on this scale, we have completed the odd 100-mile ride on one day.
“We took part in the recent ‘Ride Castle – Epic’ event and we were quite pleased that we didn’t feel too bad the next day.
“Whether we can do the next day, the next day, the next day and so on for a whole week is another thing – but we are looking forward to the challenge.”
To sponsor Dan and Ben, please visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/le-rugby-ride.
To find out more about the work of Wooden Spoon, please visit www.woodenspoon.org.uk.
Dawson Hart Easter Egg Hunt raises over £2100 for Children With Cancer Fund
Uckfield Rugby Football Club appoint new head coach
East Sussex WRAS Wildlife Rescue appeal
Can you help Sussex Police find Luke Sambrook?
Nus Ghani welcomes Sussex Police road safety campaign
Man sentenced for robbery in Hailsham
Local is hoping to win Mrs UK
Appeal to identify men in connection with Lewes e-bike thefts
