Six friends from the Harrogate area are swapping golf clubs for bicycles this summer, taking on a gruelling 470-mile cycling challenge from Oxshott in Surrey to Bordeaux in just six days to raise £20,000 for Yorkshire’s Brain Tumour Charity.
Having shared more than 20 years of friendship through golf, Simon Grafton, 61, Tim North, 60, Paddy Kidd, 65, Phil Webb, 68, Rob George, 66, and David Rowley, 65, are now putting that same teamwork, determination and camaraderie into action for a cause they are passionate about supporting.
The route and timeline
The friends will set off from Oxshott on August 25, cycling to Portsmouth before catching the overnight ferry to St Malo. They will then continue through France, arriving in Bordeaux on August 30, after covering more than 470 miles.
Every week across Yorkshire, 15 people receive the news that they have a brain tumour - a diagnosis that can have a life-changing impact on individuals, families and communities. Determined to help improve outcomes for those affected, the team is taking on the challenge to raise vital funds for local support for people impacted by a brain tumour diagnosis across Yorkshire, as well as research into kinder, more effective treatments.
Inspiration behind the challenge
The idea for the challenge came after the team saw first-hand how a brain tumour diagnosis had affected the life of another friend. Inspired to make a difference, they decided to take on a challenge that would push them physically while raising awareness and vital funds for Yorkshire’s Brain Tumour Charity.
Phil Webb said: “For me, I’ve had family affected by various forms of cancer, but before this cycling challenge, I only knew a little about brain tumours. There’s been very little research into them, while a lot of other cancers are very well supported. During our lifetime we’ve seen so many improvements in cancer treatments, and we know why. It’s because of ordinary people taking on challenges like this, where people raise money to fund essential research.”
Rob George added: “Everyone is touched by cancer.”
Team dynamics and training
The cyclists first met through golf more than 20 years ago, with friendships growing over time between the riders and their families. Despite those long-standing connections, this will be the first time they have ever ridden together as a team. While all six are active through their own sports and hobbies, only two would describe themselves as experienced cyclists.
Phil said: “We’re not all regular cyclists. We’re fit through our individual sports, but we have a lot to do to get where we need to be.” Paddy Kidd added with a smile: “Dave has only just come off his tricycle.”
The team has been training wherever possible, cycling individually and joining up with other members of the group whenever time allows. Earlier this month, four of the riders completed a 55-mile training ride together, taking in Masham for lunch as they continued to build their fitness ahead of the challenge.
Physical demands and support
The six friends know the journey will test them physically and mentally. Most days will involve between 65 and 70 miles of cycling, with the final two days expected to be the toughest, covering around 90 miles each. Tim North, who has been training in Mallorca, believes the French summer heat could prove one of the biggest challenges. “The route is mostly flat,” he said, “but it’s the heat that I’m really concerned about.”
Throughout the ride, the team will cycle as a peloton, taking turns at the front to shield one another from the wind while supporting each other over the six-day challenge. Following closely behind will be a support vehicle crewed by three of the riders’ wives, Kirstie, Victoria and Wendy, who will provide encouragement, supplies and, appropriately for a team proudly embracing life in their 60s, a healthy supply of Werther’s Originals to keep spirits high.
Fundraising goal and additional challenge
The cyclists hope to raise £20,000 for Yorkshire’s Brain Tumour Charity, whose mission is to improve the lives of people affected by a brain tumour diagnosis by funding world-class research across Yorkshire to develop kinder treatments. The challenge will not end when the team reaches Bordeaux. In a further show of commitment to the cause, Simon Grafton will take on the Bordeaux Marathon the following weekend - just seven days after completing the 470-mile cycle.
Simon said: “After taking on the cycle challenge with the team, I wanted to find another way to continue supporting such an important cause. If I can push myself further and help raise more awareness and funds for people affected by brain tumours, then it will all be worthwhile.”
How to support
The team is encouraging individuals and businesses to support the challenge by donating, sponsoring the ride or following their journey from Surrey to Bordeaux. The team knows that not everyone can cycle 470 miles or run a marathon, but everyone can play a part in helping improve the lives of people affected by brain tumours. If anyone reading this is in a position to donate, the team would be incredibly grateful, no matter how small the contribution. Every penny raised will go towards supporting and improving the lives of those affected by brain tumours.
