MELKSHAM Rugby Club players and staff are set to take on a 220-mile cycle challenge to raise money for Dorothy House, in memory of a teammate who died last December.
Chris Bull was a popular man at Melksham Rugby Club and he spent the end of his life being treated at Dorothy House. In recognition of this and to raise money for the hospice, the club is planning to cycle to Teignmouth Rugby Club and back, a total of 220 miles. The route was chosen as Teignmouth is where Chris started his rugby career as a boy before later moving to Melksham.
The challenge is set to take two days and begins on Friday 22nd August when the cyclists will leave Melksham. On their return the next day, it is planned that they will arrive during a funday being hosted by the club.
Phil Stone from Melksham Rugby Club said, “It is going to be hard and as it gets closer, we are all feeling a little bit of all emotions. The general feeling though is that the way down will be ok, we will be with our mates and doing it for a great cause. It’s going to be the getting back on the bike on day two and putting in the final 110 miles – this is where we will think long and hard and realize it isn’t as half as bad as what Chris Bull and his family went through, and man up!
“We have trained hard for this with a number of rides throughout the year, and some great advice from Cyclology Melksham. We have also had support from Medicare and Kings Auto, who kindly sponsored the cycle shirts we will all be wearing, and City Fitness who donated a number of supplements for the ride. For this reason I am certain we will do it, but it doesn’t make it any less terrifying. There are about seven or eight keen cyclists amongst us, the rest of us though were pretty new to this cycling thing, most just rugby lads from the club. We expect to be back by 6.00pm on Saturday the 23rd as there will be a family funday at the club.
“The ride will not only be the riders but a support team of 15+ people to ensure all stops are seemless. We have also been kindly put up by Teignmouth Rugby Club for the Friday night where we will have Claire Webb, rugby club physio, providing ice baths and sports massage. It really is a mass effort and I hope we can raise a lot of money to make all of their time and effort worth it as well.
“I have never been so terrified for anything in my life, but doing this is something we all wanted to do to remember a club legend, and support an amazing charity. It’s for this reason I know we will complete it.”
Others taking part shared their thoughts on the upcoming ride. Stephen Lamb said, “Day one won’t be as much of an issue as day two. I am especially not looking forward to the saddle sores -ouch!”
David Dyke added, “I’m not built for cycling and these hills are going to kill my little legs, but what’s 220 miles for a mate? We will get there.”
The family funday, which will be held on Saturday 23rd August between 2.00pm-4.00pm will include events such as welly wanging, bean can alley, obstacle course, rugby baskets, outdoor skittles, a space hopper trail and much more. A presentation will take place once the cyclists return.
For more details and to sponsor Melksham Rugby Club’s fundraising effort visit www.justgiving.com/ MelkshamRugbyClub or see their twitter @MelkshamRFC
