Twitter + Instagram: @tomrucknroll www.facebook.com/events/620549311625134/
The Challenge
Cycling from Exeter Chiefs to Newcastle Falcons, via every 2018/19 season Premiership rugby club (and Twickenham!).
That’s: Exeter, Bath, Bristol, Gloucester, Worcester*, London, Northampton, Coventry, Leicester, Manchester and Newcastle.
So that’s 744miles, 34200ft of climbing (Everest is 29000ft!)
The time to complete it? 7 days!
When? September 16th 2018
Why am I doing this?
I’ve always tried to raise money for the local cancer hospice as I’ve seen the great work they’ve done over the years supporting friends and their families, it shocks me hospices are self funded!
Well last September it was my family’s turn, my Dad was diagnosed with Colon Cancer and given 9 months to live. He survived just 4 weeks.
I want the money raised to be split between two organisations:
Shakespeare Hospice - despite the short time frame the support from them was above and beyond, this is my way of saying thank you.
Macmillan - They were there not only there for my Dad with all his medical needs, but for the family too when we needed help or support with anything. Thank you.
Who was my Dad, and why this challenge?
Sean Lennon, a quiet private person but who everyone had a good story about, and never a bad word to say. Left with 3 kids to look after aged 10, 8 and 2 he dedicated his whole life to us, and just on the final approach to retirement to enjoy some much needed R&R from a tough life he passed away aged 59.
A lover of many sports, something he instilled on me, it was rugby which was the one game above all that brought us together.
Taking me week in week out as a youngster to play for Stratford town, travelling to see Wasps play, sitting in his lounge early morning watching England win the World Cup - the Six Nations hasn’t been the same this year without him, though I’m glad he missed such a tragic year for England!
What do I need?
Donations! Lots of them!
For people to share this with everyone, especially in the rugby community, lets show everyone what the rugby family can do!
If anyone has contacts at clubs, RFU etc please share with them, it would be great to get their support.
I’d like to set a challenge of some kind, maybe trying to get a photo with a player from each club, collecting club badges, or a photo on the half way lines - something to motivate me, something to inspire!
Any help from people / companies with the logistics of completing this challenge would be greatly appreciated.
Any ideas, support, feedback please get in touch!
But most of all, for you to spend more time with those most important to you - life is too short!
More info
I’ll be covering all costs myself: hotels, food, on bike nutrition, any physiotherapy treatment, transport - for both the event itself but also the months of training. Every penny raised will go to charity.
(If anyone can help with any of those expenses in the way of sponsorship or discounts that would be great!)
I’ll also be doing this unsupported! No follow car to carry all my equipment, to feed me, treat me when cramp sets it, no help fixing mechanical issues, no one to prep hotels and ice baths….I’ll be doing this 100% by myself!
That doesn’t mean I don’t want support! So if you want to ride with me, come and support, pass me sugary treats as I ride through then that is all welcome, get in touch!
Thanks for reading
Tom
tom_lennon@live.co.uk
To Donate: please click one of the links below, picking the one with the lower total will help balance out the donations
