I'm asking you to help me do something which will help youngsters in our city.

 

On the 26-27th March I'm going to ride my cherry & white bike to London to raise funds for Onside via the Wooden Spoon Gloucestershire. Why?

 

Because Onside is a great training course for the young. It takes youngsters not in education, earning or training (NEETs) and builds their confidence by doing things they never imagined they would or could do - like playing rugby with Gloucester stars at Kingsholm and working out with the army at The Rifles' Beachey Barracks.

 

By the end of their course, everyone will have done a lot. They will have stood up and made a presentation to their course mates - and be ready to go for a job interview. That's what I want to see - confident youngsters who can go and win apprenticeships and jobs.

 

Onside was created by Prospect Training Services, the Wooden Spoon rugby charity and the Gloucester Rugby Club - a great combination in the heart of our city.

 

This bike ride won't be easy for me. I cycle around the city centre, but never more than a few miles a day. This is about 80 miles. So there will be some pain, because there's no time to get into training. I hope that people will either donate because they like the cause - or because they wouldn't mind seeing me in pain!

 

And if you feel like joining the weekend bike ride you'd be very welcome - just e mail me at richard.graham.mp@parliament.uk.

 

 So please give what you can to Wooden Spoon Glos - every little helps!

Thank you

 

Richard Graham

MP for Gloucester