HM Plant and Tom May’s Charity Challenge!
HM Plant have teamed up with Sporting Hero Tom May in a charity challenge!
The Newcastle Falcon will be hanging up his rugby boots at the end of this season to cycle to every Premiership Rugby Ground between Newcastle and Twickenham, in an effort to raise £40,000 for needy children in the region.
Leaving from Newcastle on May 28, Tom is to cycle 560 miles, taking in Leeds, Sale in Cheshire, Leicester, Northampton, Worcester, Gloucester, Bristol, Bath, London Irish, London Wasps, Saracens and Harlequins, and is hoping to arrive at Twickenham on June 4.
All the cash raised will go to local charity Just for Kids after Tom was inspired to take on the challenge by some of the region’s bravest youngsters.
Tom explained: “Last Christmas I was among a few of the players when we delivered some presents to teenagers with cancer at Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary and the teenagers were amazing. The visit gave me the incentive to do something for charity and as I’m a sportsman I wanted to make it a real challenge.
“I’m not a great fan of cycling but I am genuinely really looking forward to this. I can’t wait to set off.”
Although playing for the Newcastle Falcons means Tom is at the peak of physical fitness compared to most people, he is used to short bursts of intense activity, so feels this fundraiser will be tough for him.
He said: “I’m not a cyclist and endurance isn’t my strong point. Also, I haven’t as yet done any cycling training because my focus has been on the team, but I know I’m going to have so much support keeping me going, not least from my wife Kate, and I have also been receiving some personal training and expert nutritional advice.”
Tom is hoping that as well as raising money for children in the North East who are suffering from abuse or neglect, who are disabled, have special needs or who simply require extra care or guidance, he will also encourage youngsters to take up sports in an effort to get fit, stay fit and avoid obesity.
He said: “Obesity is a real problem for the younger generation and I hope the exposure the cycle challenge gets will inspire people young and old to get active and raise the profile of rugby at all levels.
“I am particularly hoping to encourage more people to support grass roots rugby across the country because smaller clubs are always in need of funding.”
Tom will be keeping in touch with his fans throughout the week he is on the road by writing online blogs on his website www.everythingrugby.com.
He said: “I’m hoping to get a lot of messages of support along the way and to see smiling faces seeing me off and welcoming me to each ground, so please be there if you can.”
Tom is also expected to be joined along the route by a few local and sporting celebrities to help boost the charity’s coffers.
For more information visit www.everythingrugby.com and to make a donation to the Tom May Cycle Challenge visit www.justgiving.com/tomsjustforkidsbikeride
Article by Jule Wilson, published here courtesy of the JournalLive
