Oxford United in the Community’s charity cycling duo are gearing up for their Thinking of Oscar challenge with less than a month to go.
Patron James Constable and Trustee Stuart Bradney are both taking part in the major cycle ride for the children’s charity.
The #TOO500 event is a 500-mile cycle ride over 5 days, visiting the UK’s major children’s hospitals to raise money for innovation in child healthcare.
James is preparing to cycle 200 miles in two days and Stuart is readying to cycle the entire 500 miles. The pair have both upped their exercise regime as they get set to take on the #TOO500 challenge next month.
James said: “I’m pretty fit anyway, but I’ve not stopped my exercise regime since the football season finished. I’ve upped my running and cycling and I’m out most days now increasing my stamina and strength.
“I’m really looking forward to it. It will be a challenge, but also great fun and most importantly we’ll be raising awareness and money for a great cause.
“I know first-hand what an incredible job the staff at children’s hospitals do, the team at Great Ormond Street have been first class in helping my daughter Mollie and my family. That’s why I had no hesitation in signing up for the #TOO500 and I hope people can support us by donating, every penny will make a difference.”
Stuart said: “I’m cycling four or five times a week now and on the longer rides hitting 70 miles. I think the biggest test during the event will be in the mind and it will be important to break it down into a small series of challenges, session by session, day by day, rather than thinking about the bigger picture. Thinking of Oscar is a brilliant charity, most people appreciate advancements in technology can help improve our lives, and what better way than to support developments in child healthcare?”
#TOO500 aims to raise £500,000 to invest in innovative projects at six children’s hospitals and act as a catalyst for positive change in child healthcare nationally. Cyclists will set off from Oxford Children’s Hospital on June 12th and visit other major children’s hospitals in Birmingham, Liverpool, Manchester, Sheffield and London.
Thinking of Oscar was set up by Hannah and David Cole in memory of their son Oscar who died suddenly and unexpectedly in Oxford on June 19th 2014.
Chris Lowes, Head of Oxford United in the Community said: “Everyone at Oxford United in the Community is right behind James and Stuart and Thinking of Oscar. The two charities have formed a real connection and we wish everyone all the best for the event.”
Hannah Cole, of Thinking of Oscar, said: “The support from Oxford United in the Community is fantastic and we’re looking forward to cycling with James and Stuart. It’s not too late to sign up to take part, or to donate to help us improve child healthcare via technology in the UK. More than 50 people have signed up to take part in what should be a fantastic event.”
You can register to take part in #TOO500 via the website: https://too500.co.uk
Or you can sponsor James Constable here: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/james-constable9
Or you can sponsor Stuart Bradney here: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/stuart-bradney
For more information about Thinking of Oscar visit: https://thinkingofoscar.com/